Notable Numbers: Virginia Tech vs. Vanderbilt

Coming up short in overtime, Virginia Tech football lost 34-27 to Vanderbilt Saturday in Nashville but finished the game with some noteworthy stats. 

For a deeper look at the season opener, read the notable numbers below, presented by Carter Bank & Trust. 

Stats with Salas

Start Me Up
Virginia Tech is now 90-40-1 all-time in season opening games. The last time the Hokies opened the season against a non-conferene and current Power 4 team was at FedExField in Landover, Md. against West Virginia on Sept. 3, 2017. The last time they opened the season on the road against a non-conferene and current Power 4 team however was back on Sept. 1, 1990 at Maryland. That game was tied 13-13 heading ito the fourth quarter before the Terrapins scored a touchdown with 1:01 remaining to win 20-13. The last true road season opening win against a non-conference opponent at the time and a current Power Four team was back on Sept. 8, 1984 at Wake Forest. Tech won the game 21-20.

Brotherly Impact
Brothers Stephen and Benji Gosnell are back together again this season and have picked up right where they left off. In 2023 Stephen averaged 15.8 yards per catch while Benji averaged 11.4 ypc. Against Vanderbilt, Stephen have three receptions for 72 yards, a 24.0 ypc average while Benji picked up 61 yards on four catches for a 15.3 ypc.

Hot In Herre
The official temprature at kickoff was listed at 88° F, this ties for the hottest game for the Hokies since 1985. The two other hottest games were both against Miami at the old Orange Bowl Stadium in Miami on September 18, 1993 and October 29, 1994. The last time the Hokies played a game above 85° F was on August 30, 2014 in Lane Stadium against William and Mary. The temperature at kickoff was 87° F.

UniWatch
Saturday's game debut Tech's new uniforms. The new look pays tribute to the 1995-2003 seasons with shoulder numbers and double outlined numbers. The maroon helmet, white jersey and white pants combination made their 94th appearance since 1987. Tech is now 59-35 in the color combo.

The Streak Continues
Saturday's game marked the 371st consecutive game during which Virginia Tech has scored. The Hokies are in 4th place in both the all-time and active streak lists.

Tech Playmakers

Back Like He Never Left  
Rewind the clock to the start of the 2023 season, and wide receiver Ali Jennings became a household name across Hokie Nation. Fast forward to the 2024 season opener, and the Richmond, Virginia native picked up right where he left off, in the endzone. Last year against Old Dominion, the sixth-year wideout caught two touchdown passes and more recently celebrated in the endzone at FirstBank Stadium. Jennings’ downfield connection with quarterback Kyron Drones resulted in the Hokies’ longest play of the day. The 62-yard deep ball was a thing of beauty as Jennings ran wide-open down the sideline for the score. Jennings finished the game with 91 receiving yards and a touchdown after his first reception went for 29 yards in the third quarter.

Mr. Do It All  
As his career with the Hokies grows, running back Bhayshul Tuten continues to display his explosiveness as an all-purpose player. Entering Week 1, the Paulsboro, New Jersey native was named to the Doak Walker Award and Paul Hornung Award watch lists. These honors are awarded annually to college football’s best running back and the nation’s most versatile player, respectively. Tuten showcased his value both out of the backfield and as a returner against the Commodores. The senior tailback scored twice on the day, with a 24-yard rush for Tech’s first touchdown of the season and an 11-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Tuten also displayed significant burst and patience on three kickoff returns totaling 71 yards and a long of 29 yards. Overall, he made his presence felt with 123 all-purpose yards. In his first outing of the season, Tuten is providing a glimpse of what’s possible across offense and special teams.  

Pressure à la carte  
Tech famously received its nickname ‘Sacksburg’ for its ability to get after the quarterback. Under defensive coordinator Chris Marve, the defensive line has generated plenty of pressure on opposing backfields. A key to maintaining that consistency is depth across the interior and on the edge. One Hokie that stood out against the Commodores was defensive tackle Wilfried Pene. The French redshirt senior recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, including a half sack alongside edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Pene finished the outing with three total tackles and consistently found himself in positions to assist his teammates, ask linebacker Caleb Woodson, who recorded his first career sack. Depth along the interior is crucial to generating persistent pressure up the middle, and Pene provides just that.

Make Your Pledges Count

Pledge Per is an effective way to support Tech’s football program. With the season officially underway, giving pledges for the 2024 campaign have begun. Fans can give based on metrics such as touchdowns ($7) and sacks ($3). Each week, as the season progresses, the support will accumulate. During the season opener, Tech scored three touchdowns and recorded two sacks. Help make an impact and decide to pledge today.