Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Hokies will close out their home schedule with a meeting against their biggest rival, the Virginia Cavaliers, in the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash. Historically, this rivalry has been one-sided, with the Hokies leading the all-time series 61-38. Since 2000, Virginia has only notched two victories (2003 and 2019). The stakes are high this year, with both teams needing a win to secure bowl eligibility. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. ET under the lights of Lane Stadium, with national coverage on ACC Network. In this week’s ‘Know the Foe,’ presented by AAA, we dive into what to expect from the Cavaliers and how the Hokies stack up in this critical matchup.
Virginia is led by head coach Tony Elliott, who is in his third year at the helm. While Elliott’s tenure has been a challenging one—with a 3-9 record last season and a 6-16 overall mark—the Cavaliers have shown progress, entering this game with a 5-6 record. However, they come into Blacksburg on a two-game losing streak after matchups against No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 13 SMU.
Last year’s Commonwealth Clash was dominated by Virginia Tech, with a commanding 55-17 victory. Hokies’ quarterback Kyron Drones led the charge, throwing three touchdown passes—two to wide receiver Da’Quan Felton and one to Stephen Gosnell—both of whom are key contributors heading into this year’s matchup. Running back Bhayshul Tuten also had a standout performance in 2023, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown. Tuten, who recently eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the season, remains a central figure for the Hokies’ offense, complemented by Malachi Thomas, who also scored in last year’s game.
On the Cavaliers’ side, sophomore quarterback Anthony Colandrea has spearheaded their offense. Colandrea has thrown for 2,125 yards and 13 touchdowns this season while adding 277 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Known for his accuracy—he led all FBS true freshmen in adjusted completion rate (73.6%) last year according to Pro Football Focus (PFF)—Colandrea has shown promise but remains prone to mistakes, with 11 interceptions and 39 sacks this season.
The Hokies’ defense will look to exploit Colandrea’s vulnerabilities. Last week against Duke, the Hokies recorded three interceptions, including two from cornerback Dorian Strong and one from linebacker Caleb Woodson. Cornerback Mansoor Delane, who leads the team with three interceptions, also picked off Colandrea in last year’s matchup. Virginia Tech’s defense is one of the nation’s top units in sacks, with 31 on the season. Defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland ranks second nationally with 13 sacks and will be a key factor alongside Cole Nelson, who contributed to the Hokies’ six-sack performance against Colandrea in 2023.
Virginia’s receiving corps features standout wide receiver Malachi Fields, who leads the team with 788 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Tyler Neville provides additional options in the passing game, with 387 receiving yards and two scores. The Cavaliers’ rushing attack is powered by Kobe Pace and Xavier Brown, who have combined for nearly 1,000 yards this season, with Pace adding three touchdowns.
Defensively, the Cavaliers have struggled to find consistency. Last season, their defensive line earned the lowest grade in the Power Five (56.9, per PFF) and allowed over five yards per carry while producing minimal pressure. This season, defensive end Kam Butler has been the most productive lineman with two sacks and ranking eighth on the team in tackles. Safety Jonas Sanker will be the player to watch out for, leading the team with 89 tackles, four passes defended, an interception and two sacks. Linebacker Kam Robinson has also been effective, logging four sacks and 55 tackles, second-most on the team.
With both teams entering this matchup at 5-6, bowl eligibility hangs in the balance, making this game a must-watch. As the Hokies aim to retain the Commonwealth Cup, the energy of a sold-out Lane Stadium crowd could make all the difference. While this game is sold out, fans still have the chance to secure tickets through SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace for Virginia Tech Athletics.