Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football returns to the gridiron in Year 2 of the Brent Pry era and faces a familiar foe to begin its season, taking on Old Dominion Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Lane Stadium on ACC Network.
Trying to experience the electric atmosphere under the lights? Tickets are available starting at $50.
How to Follow
TV: The game will be televised on ACC Network with Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst) and Taylor Tannebaum (sideline) on the call.
Radio: The Virginia Tech Sports Network, including its flagship station 105.3 FM "The Bear" in Blacksburg, will carry the contest over the airwaves. Bill Roth will handle play-by-play duties while Mike Burnop provides color commentary and Zach Mackey reports from the sideline.
Streaming: Catch the game online at ESPN.com and in the ESPN mobile app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch or in the HokieSports mobile app.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesFB), Instagram (@hokiesfb) and Facebook (@VirginiaTechFB).
Three Things to Know
Last Year's Game
Looking back to this game last year, the Hokies outplayed the Monarchs statistically, but ended up falling short on the scoreboard. Tech gained more first downs, rushing yards, passing yards and converted more third downs, but a pivotal play on special teams that benefitted ODU ended up changing the complexion of the game right before halftime. So, look for special teams to be a key to this game once again, with Middle Tennessee transfer Jaylin Lane expected to make an impact in the return game.
2022 Team Stats
Both teams a year ago were strong in a few areas defensively. For Tech, it was top 30 nationally in third-down conversion percentage, allowing just 34.1 percent, while the Monarchs excelled in red-zone defense, ranking 12th in the country (74.5%). Under defensive coordinator Chris Marve, who handled the play-calling duties down the stretch last season, the Hokies are hoping to build off of that in his second season as the DC and strong core up front.
ODU Connection
It's well known that both Pry and ODU's head coach Ricky Rahne have history between each other, as the two were on the same staff at Penn State from 2014-19. But there are some other connections as well between these two teams. Wide receiver coach Fontel Mines came most recently from ODU, where he coached then-ODU wide receiver Ali Jennings, who is now a Hokie. The tight ends coach for the Monarchs is Justin Harper, who was a standout wide receiver for the Hokies from 2004-07.
Players to Watch
Quarterback Grant Wells: Arguably the most important position in all of football, Pry announced last week that Wells would be starting under center against ODU in the opener. The redshirt senior is coming off a 15-touchdown season in 2022 coupled with 2,383 total yards. In last year's game, Wells completed 21 passes for 197 yards, including a 39-yarder, and had two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing).
Running back Bhayshul Tuten: A junior who transferred from North Carolina A&T and was an FCA All-American last season, Tuten will be expected to bring the balance of power and speed to the running back room. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound speedster had seven runs of over 30 yards in '22 and will be a home-run hitter for the Hokies with his explosiveness. When asked during spring ball of what type of runner he is, he said 'angry' and runs with a purpose.
Cornerback Mansoor Delane: Delane returns as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus, and is expected to lead a secondary known as D-Block. The Maryland native racked up a laundry list of accolades last fall, earning Freshman All-America status by 247Sports and College Football News and also All-ACC honorable mention honors. Delane led Tech last year in pass breakups (8) and accumulated 38 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception in eight games.