Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech football team has kicked off its final away matchup of the regular season under the Saturday night lights at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The Hokies are currently trailing the Blue Devils 21-17 as they head into the second half.
The Hokies’ offense came alive with a 65-yard touchdown connection from quarterback Colin Schlee to wide receiver Ali Jennings, marking the team’s longest passing play of the season. Schlee displayed excellent field awareness, keeping the defense on its heels before delivering a pinpoint throw to Jennings, who sprinted into the end zone.
Jennings continued to make his presence felt, turning a short pass from redshirt freshman quarterback William “Pop” Watson III into a 27-yard gain. That effort set up a well-executed reverse, with Watson handing off to wide receiver Jaylin Lane, who lobbed the ball to Ayden Greene. Greene finished the play with a 21-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game.
Making his first appearance with significant in-game action, Watson has shown poise under pressure, recording 57 passing yards and a 13-yard scamper in the second quarter.
Jennings currently leads the receiving corps heading into the second half with 116 receiving yards. Meanwhile, running back Bhayshul Tuten has been steady on the ground, grinding out short-yardage plays to lead the team with 44 rushing yards.
With contributions from multiple playmakers, the Hokies’ offense has remained productive, keeping the pressure on as they enter the second half locked in a closely contested matchup.
The Hokies’ defense has risen to the challenge against Duke’s pass-heavy offense, with cornerback Dorian Strong leading the charge. Strong recorded his first two interceptions of the season, the sixth and seventh of his Virginia Tech career, returning the first for seven yards to set the tone for the defense.
The Hokies’ defensive front keeps generating pressure, helping force eleven incompletions and turning Duke’s offense off balance. Defensive linemen Cole Nelson and Keyshawn Burgos each tallied a quarterback hurry, while Antwaun Powell-Ryland added a key tackle for a three-yard loss. Linebacker Keli Lawson chipped in with a tackle for a two-yard loss, further disrupting the Blue Devils’ offensive flow.
Duke will start with the ball to kick off the second half.