BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football is set to travel to Virginia for its final regular season game at Scott Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
Brent Pry will face the Cavaliers for the first time as Tech's head coach in the Commonwealth Clash presented by Smithfield. Leaving Charlottesville, Virginia with a victory will make the Hokies bowl eligible for the first time in the Pry era.
How to Follow
TV: The game will be televised on ACC Network with Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Mark Herzlich (analyst) and Sherree Burruss (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
Smithfield Commonwealth Clash
The Hokies will face the Cavaliers for the first time since 2021 after last season's matchup was canceled following the tragic shooting of three Virginia players. Tech's matchup with UVA on Saturday is one of many contests that impact the Commonwealth Clash presented by Smithfield. Through the current slate of fall sports, the Cavaliers are currently leading the Clash 4.5 to 0, with victories in soccer, cross country and the first volleyball matchup. Hokies football and volleyball will have joint opportunities to turn the tide in their favor with victories on Saturday. Tech has dominated on the gridiron winning 15 straight games from 2004 to 2018 and has won the last two matchups, most recently on the road in Charlottesville. For more information, visit hokiesports.com/clash.
Last Call for Bowling Reservations
Tech currently sits with a 5-6 overall record and 4-3 in the ACC. Over the past couple of weeks, discussions have whirled around Blacksburg about the potential of playing in a bowl game. Brent Pry and company will have one final chance to reach that crucial six-win mark to reach bowl game eligibility. When facing a conference opponent with a record of .500 or less, the Hokies have been dominant on defense and face minimal problems with putting points on the board. UVA falls seamlessly into that category with a 3-8 record and isn't faring well against ACC opponents with a 2-5 conference record. Tech will be presented with one more opportunity to display his strength against weaker ACC opposition.
Road Game Energy
Tech has struggled when playing on the road this season, until its 48-22 rout of Boston College. The Hokies scored five unanswered touchdowns against the Eagles and hope to recapture that intensity against the Cavaliers. Following its win, the sentiment around the team was about its redefined mentality and process when traveling. Players and staff emphasized the energy from the team hotel through the final game whistle. If Tech can replicate the same process implemented in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the program will have a great foundation in place for a trip to Charlottesville.
Players to Watch
Running Back Bhayshul Tuten: After making the transition to the FBS and Power Five levels when he transferred from North Carolina A&T, Bhayhsul Tuten has proved without a shadow of a doubt that he belongs and is a premiere talent. The junior tailback leads Tech in all-purpose yardage and is the lone player averaging over 100 scrimmage yards per game. Tuten has 610 yards on the ground, 218 receiving yards and 395 kick return yards so far in 2023. He's also reached the end zone ten times in the campaign, with seven rushing touchdowns, two receiving and a 99-yard kick return touchdown. Tuten has been very impressive in his first season as a Hokie and has a final opportunity to stamp his ballot as one of the best backs in the ACC.
Wide Receiver Da'Quan Felton: Big plays down the field are an accurate way to describe Da'Quan Felton's impact on offense. Since transferring from Norfolk State during the spring as part of Tech's new-look receiver core, Felton has showcased his ability to stretch the field all season long. The redshirt senior has receptions of 70, 62, 54, 42, 39 and 34, the majority of which went for touchdowns. Felton's skillset pairs nicely with Kyron Drones' ability to drive the ball downfield, and their chemistry is impeccable. In three of the last four games, Felton has amassed 80 or more receiving yards and has two different contests with two receiving touchdowns.
Cornerback Dorian Strong: Playing on the boundary may not generate the gaudy stat numbers fans look for, but Dorian Strong has been as consistent as they come. The redshirt junior showcases impressive coverage skills every week, allowing just seven receptions this season. Strong hasn't given up a catch since week 7, and the last contest he saw more than one target was against Boston College. Hokie Nation can easily reminisce about the corner's performance as he intercepted the opposing quarterback's first two pass attempts, both of which led to points for Tech's offense. The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native registered a season-high 91.7 coverage grade against BC, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). In his largest snap total since 2021, Strong has recorded career high PFF grades in overall defense (77.5) and coverage (78.7).