Virginia Tech Football: Ugly Win Over Old Dominion
Virginia Tech escaped with a 20-17 win over Old Dominion in a game that was far from pretty. The Hokies struggled offensively, committing numerous penalties and failing to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. Despite the lackluster performance, the victory extends their winning streak to two games and provides a much-needed boost of confidence heading into ACC play.
A Sloppy Start
The first half was a frustrating watch for Hokies fans. The offense sputtered, failing to sustain drives and making crucial mistakes. Quarterback Grant Wells struggled to find a rhythm, throwing for just 71 yards and an interception. The running game also faltered, gaining just 57 yards in the first two quarters. Meanwhile, the defense, while playing relatively well, allowed Old Dominion to score a field goal in the final seconds of the half, leaving Virginia Tech with a slim 10-3 lead.
Second Half Surge
The second half saw a slight improvement from the Hokies. Wells found his footing slightly and connected with Kaleb Smith for a touchdown in the third quarter. However, the offense still struggled to find any consistency.
A Defensive Stand
The game was ultimately decided in the final minutes. With the score tied 17-17, Old Dominion marched down the field in the closing seconds, looking to steal a victory. However, the Hokies' defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs with just seconds remaining.
Key Takeaways
- Offensive struggles: Despite the win, the Hokies' offense remains a major concern. The lack of consistency and execution is worrisome, especially heading into a difficult ACC schedule.
- Defensive resilience: The Hokies' defense was the bright spot in this game. They kept Old Dominion's offense in check for most of the game, especially in crucial moments.
- Need for improvement: While the victory is encouraging, the Hokies need to improve drastically if they want to compete in the ACC.
Looking Ahead
The Hokies will be looking to build on this win as they prepare for their ACC opener against [insert upcoming ACC opponent]. They will need to find a way to clean up their offensive execution and build more consistency if they hope to have any chance of competing in the conference.