BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football enters its second straight home game of the season following a season-opening win over Old Dominion. The Hokies are set to host Big Ten opponent Purdue on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN2.
Want to experience the Orange Effect game and the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony? Tickets are available starting at $80.
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How to FollowTV: The game will be televised on ESPN 2 with Brian Custer (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst) and Lauren Sisler (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 KnowCommitment to the run game
Throughout fall camp, head coach Brent Pry echoed the need to establish an identity in the run game. The offense backed up the sentiment with 43 rushing attempts in the opener. Running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Malachi Thomas carried the bulk of the load with 19 and 12 carries, respectively. From a production standpoint, there are opportunities to improve. The Boilermakers offer an intriguing matchup after allowing Fresno State's lead tailback average 4.7 yards per carry.
Takeaways turn into points
Tech's defense generated three turnovers against ODU after forcing three fumbles and an interception. Of the three takeaways, two possessions resulted in points for the Hokies offense. Wide receiver Ali Jennings scored his second touchdown of the night following a forced fumble by captain Nasir Peoples. The Hokies also notched a late field goal after cornerback Dorian Strong's 32-yard interception return. Creating more takeaways on defense will only provide more opportunities for Tech's new-look offense.
Special Teams will be vital
For decades, Virginia Tech has been known for making significant plays on special teams. The ability to create big plays in the return game can easily shift the momentum during a game. Special teams coordinator Stu Holt caught a glimpse of that brilliance late in the fourth quarter when sophomore Tucker Holloway returned a punt for 66 yards. Heading into Saturday, the test will flip to the coverage units as they try to contain Purdue's return specialist, Tyrone Tracy Jr., who averaged 48 yards per kick return in week one, which included a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Players to WatchWide receiver Jaylin Lane: A senior transfer from Middle Tennessee and Biletnikoff Award watchlist player, Lane made his impact known early, scoring the first touchdown of the season for Tech on a 20-yard reception. The Clover, South Carolina native showcased his versatility by leading all Hokies in all-purpose yardage against ODU with 107. With a solid performance in the opener, Lane quickly showed fans why he was also named to the Paul Hornung Award watchlist.
Defensive End Antwaun Powell-Ryland: Commonly known as 'APR' by his coaches and teammates, the former Florida Gator put on a show in his debut for the Hokies. Powell-Ryland wreaked havoc against ODU, getting to the quarterback multiple times, registering two sacks, leading the team in tackles (6) and forcing a fumble. Providing plenty of speed off the edge, this junior proved why he was highlighted in the week one primer by Bill Roth.
Linebacker Keli Lawson: Lawson is a blossoming redshirt sophomore who provides tons of athleticism on the second level. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound linebacker has plenty of length with an 82-inch wingspan, and his intangibles landed him as the No. 19 ranked player on The Athletic's 2023 Freaks List. Lawson's speed was on display in the opener as he registered four solo tackles, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss versus ODU.