Outpaced on the ground in Piscataway, New Jersey, Virginia Tech football lost 35-16 to Rutgers on Saturday but finished the game with some noteworthy stats.
For a deeper look at the numbers, view below.
Stats with Salas
Passing Defense
Rutgers came into the game with a season passing total of 27-50 for 361 yards in their first two games. Against the Hokies, they were held to just 7-16 for 46 yards. The 46 yards is just the ninth time an opponent was held to 46 or fewer yards in a game. Here's a breakdown of the nine games:
| Att-Comp | Yds | Date | Opponent | Location | Score (VT-Opp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-16 | 46 | September 16, 2023 | Rutgers | Piscataway, N.J. | L, 16-35 |
| 0-1 | 0 | October 25, 2018 | Georgia Tech | Blacksburg, Va. | L, 28-49 |
| 2-7 | 34 | November 12, 2016 | Georgia Tech | Blacksburg, Va. | L, 20-30 |
| 2-9 | 20 | November 22, 2008 | Duke | Blacksburg, Va. | W, 14-3 |
| 5-18 | 22 | September 10, 2005 | Duke | Durham, N.C. | W, 45-0 |
| 6-22 | 43 | October 16, 1999 | Syracuse | Blacksburg, Va. | W, 62-0 |
| 10-26 | 45 | September 11, 1999 | UAB | Blacksburg, Va. | W, 31-10 |
| 4-18 | 45 | October 3, 1987 | Navy | Blacksburg, Va. | W, 31-11 |
| 3-13 | 23 | September 12, 1987 | Clemson | Blacksburg, Va. | L, 10-22 |
The Streak Continues
The Hokies' 16 points scored against the Scarlet Knights mark the 360th consecutive game during which Virginia Tech has scored, the fourth-longest active streak in the nation among FBS schools (sixth longest through FBS history).
Scorigami
The 35-16 final score was the first scorigami of the season. Scorigami is the art of building final scores that have never happened before. More on scorigami.
Uniform Tracker
The Hokies wore white helmets, white jerseys and white pants at SHI Stadium. It was the first time this season and the 29th time since 1987 the Hokies have worn that combination, with Tech being 19-10 in those outings.
| Helmet | Jersey | Pants | Date | Opponent | Location | Result | 2023 Record | Record since 1987 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | Maroon | White | Sept. 2, 2023 | Old Dominion | Blacksburg, Va. | W, 36-17 | 1-0 | 11-2 |
| White | Orange | Orange | Sept. 9, 2023 | Purdue | Blacksburg, Va. | L, 17-24 | 0-1 | 2-1 |
| White | White | White | Sept. 16, 2023 | Rutgers | Piscataway, N.J. | L, 16-35 | 0-1 | 19-10 |
Tech Playmakers
Double 'Quan Trouble
The Hokies outpaced the Scarlet Knights through the air on Saturday afternoon, and two players with the first name 'Quan' set the bar. Wide receiver Da'Quan Felton led the team in targets (10), receptions (6) and receiving yards (84), quickly becoming Drones' go-to target. Following Felton's lead was tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who tied for second in targets with five and finished the contest with 21 receiving yards on four receptions. With the absences of transfers Jaylin Lane and Ali Jennings, the 'Quan' tandem had the ball sent their way when a first-down conversion was needed. Four of Felton's receptions went for a first down, and Wright registered back-to-back catches on a drive, with the latter going for a first down.
The Quarterback Keeper
Making his first start for Tech, quarterback Kyron Drones showcased his size and athleticism all afternoon. The game plan established by offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen favored RPO and Drones' ability to use his eyes. The sophomore quarterback led the team with 71 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Donning a 6-foot-2, 234-pound frame, he finished runs by lowering his shoulder, which was consistent throughout the game and likely provided the Pearland, Texas native with the confidence to fight for extra yards. Drones' escapability was a threat to Rutgers' defense, causing safeties to watch the backfield, which likely helped him throw his lone passing touchdown, finding Felton wide-open for 39 yards.