Notable Numbers: Virginia Tech vs. Stanford

Virginia Tech football put together one of its best overall performances in the 2024 season during its 31-7 victory over Stanford. The Hokies registered their first conference win of the year and finished Saturday’s game with some notable stats.

Read below to dive deeper into the road victory in California, presented by Carter Bank & Trust.

Stats with Salas

California Dreamin’
The 2,274.13 miles from Lane Stadium to Stanford Stadium marks the furthest trip the Hokies have made in the regular season. It was also their first regular season game not in the Eastern or Central time zones. The previous farthest trip out west in the regular season was in 1959 when Tech traveled to Canyon, Texas (1,207.40 miles) for a game against West Texas State. The Hokies won that game 26-21. Including bowl games, the furthest trip was the Inaugural Diamond Walnut Bowl held at Pacific Bell Park, home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. That trip clocked in at 2,281.20 miles. Overall, the Hokies are now 2-0 in the Pacific time zone. Tech has now played in 97 different cities, including the District of Columbia, and 26 different states.

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot
The official temperature at kickoff was 89° F. This marks the hottest temperature at kickoff as marked in the official stats since 1985. Tech is now 25-16 when the kickoff temp is over 80° F. The previous high was 88° at the Orange Bowl Stadium in Miami, Fla. in 1993 and 1994.

Career Afternoon
Including his two years at North Carolina A&T, Bhayshul Tuten has now eclipsed 3,000 yards rushing with 3,046. If the 1,578 yards he gained at North Carolina A&T had been at Virginia Tech, he would be fourth on the all-time career rushing leaders list and just the fourth person to surpass 3,000 yards. Tech’s top rusher was Cyrus Lawrence from 1979-1982 with 3,767 yards on 843 carries. Kevin Jones is second with 3,475 yards on 616 carries from 2001-2003. Roscoe Coles is third with 3,459 yards on 656 carries from 1974-1977.

Defense Stifles Stanford
The first half shutout by the defense was just the third time in the Brent Pry era that the opponent didn’t score before the half. Tech held Virginia to a 24-0 score at the half in 2023 and held Wofford to a 20-0 halftime score in 2022. The seven points scored in the game by Stanford ties the fewest points allowed in the Brent Pry era. The other time an opponent was held to just seven points was in a 27-7 win against Wofford in 2022.

Tech also picked up five sacks in the game. That marks the second time this season Tech’s defense has picked up five or more sacks in a game. The Hokies picked up six on Sept. 14 at Old Dominion. It’s the eighth time in the Brent Pry era Tech as had five or more sacks in a game.

The Streak Continues
Saturday's game marked the 376th 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

Did Someone Say Hat Trick?
Quarterback Kyron Drones proved to be a consistent producer in the Hokies offensive showcase. The redshirt junior displayed great command of offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen’s scheme. Drones played with patience and good timing throughout the contest, delivering the ball to his targets in rhythm to keep drives productive. Tech’s starting signal caller finished the outing with 201 yards and two touchdowns through the air and added a 6-yard score on the ground. Drones’ three touchdown performance was another strong outing after a thriller in Miami and sets the stage for more as the program heads into the bye week.

Your Moment Will Come
As he mentioned during the postgame press conference, part of being a student-athlete is preparing the same way each week and waiting for your opportunity. After a quiet start to the year, wide receiver Da’Quan Felton showcased his playmaking ability when he had the ball in his hands. Felton’s run-after-catch prowess is based on his great speed, and it was on full display during his 55-yard touchdown reception to open the third quarter. On third and medium, the Norfolk, Virginia native took a pass across the middle and outran multiple Cardinal defenders en route to his first score of the season. Felton corralled four receptions on the afternoon and added 84 receiving yards to lead the team in both categories.

Party in the Endzone
Running back Bhayshul Tuten must have an invitation to party after scoring another rushing touchdown. Hitting pay dirt has been the calling card of the Paulsboro, New Jersey product, as he’s scored in eight consecutive games dating back to last season. Even during an afternoon with a below-average 3.5 yards per carry, Tuten is a consistent runner that can wear down a defense. Tuten carried the rock 21 times for 73 yards and a rushing touchdown, highlighting his ability to be a workhorse tailback. After four consecutive outings with 100+ rushing yards and a touchdown, the offense has shown that it can produce when he receives the volume. Heading into a week where he can recover from the high usage, Tuten should benefit from the additional time off heading to a Thursday night matchup at home.

Make Your Pledges Count

Be a part of the Hokies’ success on the gridiron by signing up for Pledge Per! The donation campaign helps benefit the program with giving totals based on performance metrics such as sacks ($3), touchdowns ($7), wins and more. Tech amassed five sacks and scored four touchdowns during the conference win at Stanford Stadium. Celebrate the Hokies’ inaugural regular season victory in California by making a pledge today.