Hokie ClubSTANFORD, Calif. – Bringing Hokie Nation to the West Coast, Virginia Tech football has put on a strong showing against Stanford in the first-ever ACC matchup between the two teams and their second meeting overall. Heading into the second half, the Hokies hold a 14-0 lead over the Cardinal.
Wide receiver Stephen Gosnell put the first points on the board, hauling in a nine-yard dart from quarterback Kyron Drones down the middle on the Hokies’ opening drive. The North Carolina product currently leads the team with 33 receiving yards on two catches, including a 24-yard grab that marks his longest of the day.
Drones has also targeted wide receiver Jaylin Lane, who played a crucial role in setting up the touchdown with a 24-yard reverse run, placing the Hokies in scoring position. Lane is currently second on the team in receptions, recording three catches for 29 yards, and looks poised for more opportunities in Tyler Bowen’s offensive scheme.
Tech extended its lead late in the second quarter when running back Bhayshul Tuten bulldozed through for a seven-yard touchdown, pushing his streak to eight consecutive games with a score. Tuten has been the workhorse for the Hokies on the ground, piling up 60 rushing yards to finish the first half.
The Hokies' defense has kept the Cardinal scoreless heading into halftime, establishing dominance early with a sack by defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles on Stanford's first drive that forced a five-yard loss for quarterback Justin Lamson. Mose Phillips III followed up with a critical forced fumble, which was recovered by defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland, swinging momentum in Virginia Tech's favor. Powell-Ryland, in pursuit of his eighth sack of the season, continued to apply pressure with a quarterback hurry, further disrupting the Stanford offense at the Farm.
The Hokies will start the second half with possession of the ball.