Notable numbers versus Duke

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football came away with many new highs in statistical categories after its 48-17 win over Duke on Saturday in Lane Stadium. You can view those tidbits below.

STATS WITH SALAS

Offense shines
Tech had an impressive day on the field. The 374 yards of offense Tech racked up in the first half were its most in a first half since putting up 401 yards vs. William & Mary in 2018. The 297 yards rushing and 276 yards passing were both the most this season in those categories. The 573 total yards of offense were the most since the Hokies had 600 at Old Dominion in 2018. Tech is now 57-11, since 1987, when they have 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing in the game.

Quarterback Braxton Burmeister had career highs in passing TDs (3) and rushing yards (71). Raheem Blackshear also picked up a career high in rushing yards with 117.

Robinson leads the nation
Punt returner Tayvion Robinson had a career-high 73 yards in punt returns Saturday. He is now leading the nation in total punt return yards with 329. His 15.0 average puts him in second place in FBS for yards per punt return. Robinson also totaled four receptions for 78 yards and passed Marcus Davis (105) for 12th on Tech's career receptions list with 108.

Defense scores
Norell Pollard recorded a nine-yard strip sack which TyJuan Garbutt recovered and returned 16 yards for a TD. This was the 17th non-offensive score under coach Justin Fuente. It was the first since a PAT return for two points against Syracuse earlier this season. The last time the Hokies recorded a scoop and score was in 2019 against Pitt. Switching roles,  Pollard came up with the ball following a Rayshard Ashby 18-yard strip sack in the first quarter. 

Romo good from deep
John Parker Romo connected on a 51-yard field goal in the second quarter. It was his second make of 50-plus yards this season. Going back to 1987, he's just one of four kickers to connect on multiple 50-plus yard field goals in their career. Filled with good company, this list has three current or former NFL players:

Streaks continue
The 48 points scored against Duke mark the 343rd consecutive game Virginia Tech has scored, the third-longest active streak in the nation among FBS schools. It's also the fifth-longest streak in FBS history.

Tech's special teams unit extended its nation-leading streak of 234 consecutive made extra points, dating back to Oct. 20, 2016 vs. Miami.

Scorigami
The 48-17 final score was the fourth scorigami of the season. The final scores against West Virginia, Notre Dame, and Syracuse have all been scorigamis this season. Scorigami is the art of building final scores that have never happened before. More on scorigami.

Uniform Tracker
The Hokies wore maroon helmets, maroon jerseys, and white pants for the third time this season.