Syracuse, N.Y. – The Hokies are making a statement on the road, facing Syracuse in JMA Wireless Dome for the first time since 2016. With bowl eligibility on the line, Virginia Tech enters the second half with a 14-3 lead over the Orange.
Quarterback Colin Schlee wasted no time making an impact in his first career start for the Hokies, launching a 48-yard dart down the sideline to wide receiver Stephen Gosnell on Virginia Tech’s second offensive drive. The big play set up the first score of the game, as wide receiver Jaylin Lane capped off the drive with a 7-yard run into the end zone.
Schlee then showed his dual-threat ability, powering through Syracuse's defense for Virginia Tech’s second touchdown. The first-year Hokie once again connected with Gosnell on a pivotal 44-yard gain to set up the score, showcasing Gosnell’s consistency in making tough grabs and keeping the Hokies in command. Gosnell currently tops the receiving corps with 99 yards.
Running back Jeremiah Coney currently leads the team in rushing with 84 yards, highlighted by a 47-yard sprint to close out the first half. Lane sits in second place with 23 rushing yards, while Schlee has added 37 yards on key short runs to keep the offense moving.
Defensively, Virginia Tech has been relentless, stifling Syracuse on their opening drives. Safety Jaylen Jones, defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles and cornerback Dante Lovett each made crucial pass breakups, establishing a dominant tone and limiting the Orange to a lone field goal. For the second consecutive game, the Hokies have successfully kept their opponent out of the end zone as they close out the first half.
Cornerback Mansoor Delane has anchored the Hokies' defense, grabbing a crucial interception in the second quarter and recording four tackles, including a combined tackle for loss with safety Mose Phillips III that set Syracuse back a yard. The junior added to his standout performance with a forced fumble just before halftime, which linebacker Jaden Keller recovered, marking Syracuse’s first fumble loss of the season.