BLACKSBURG – Kicking off the first Thursday night game of the season under the electrifying atmosphere of Lane Stadium, the Virginia Tech football team leads Syracuse 30-3 as they head into the second half. This marks the most points scored in the first half since the Hokies' game against NC State in September 2020.
From the very first play of the game, defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland dominated by sacking Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader, resulting in an 11-yard loss. Powell-Ryland didn't stop there; he secured his second sack in the following quarter, resulting in a 9-yard loss. The defense continued to stifle the Orange's offense, with linebacker Alan Tisdale registering a pass breakup and Keli Lawson tallying a quarterback hurry. The Orange had gained only 11 yards of offense, completing just two of six passes, before defensive linemen C.J. McCray and Josh Fuga converged on the quarterback for a sack to end the first quarter. Defensive lineman Mario Kendricks also recorded a sack for a four-yard loss.
On the offensive side, running back Malachi Thomas surprised with a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Da'quan Felton, marking the first touchdown of the game and the first non-quarterback to throw a touchdown since the Hokies' 2021 game against Virginia. Felton secured his second touchdown of the game, catching an impressive 62-yard pass from quarterback Kyron Drones, marking the second-longest touchdown of the season and his second reception of over 50 yards. The Hokies achieved their largest lead margin of 27 points since November 2019 against Georgia Tech.
Special teams made a significant impact on the game as wide receiver Tucker Holloway executed an impressive 57-yard punt return, electrifying the crowd. Kicker John Love was in top form, delivering a career-high 43-yard field goal, a 32-yard field goal, and a 39-yard field goal for his third of the game. Drones showcased his speed and versatility once again, starting the second quarter with a 38-yard rush, ranking second in rushing yards behind running back Bhayshal Tuten, who accumulated 58 yards, including a 3-yard rushing touchdown to close out the second quarter.
The Hokies will start with the ball in the second half.Gallery: (10-26-2023) FB: First half vs. Syracuse
