Hokie ClubCHESTNUT HILL, MASS – The Virginia Tech football team trailed 14-6 in the fourth quarter but rallied behind Marlion Jackson's first touchdown reception as a Hokie and a 76-yard scamper from Jeffrey Overton, Jr. to take a lead with 4:58 on the clock that would prove to be the winning score from a rainy Alumni Stadium.
With the win, the Hokies move to 4-0 for the first time since 2017, and the 1-0 start to ACC play marks the seventh time in eight seasons.
With adverse conditions all afternoon, both squads struggled to move the football. The Hokies scored the game's first points with just seconds left in the first half, the result of a 13-play drive that went 48 yards. Fifth year kicker John Love connected on a 45-yard boot, giving Tech the lead and also vaulting him up the scoring charts.
The Eagles had the opportunity to possess the football first in the third quarter, but like the first few weeks of the season, Tech's defense was resolute, forcing a three and out and getting the ball back into the hands of Ethan Grunkemeyer and the offense. The Hokies scored a short field goal from Love to take a 6-0 lead.
From there, the Eagles found some big plays in the run game, primarily from the feet of quarterback Mason McKenzie who ran and passed for over 100 yards. He orchestrated two scoring drives, one in the third quarter and one in the fourth that he capped off himself with short rushes to give Boston College a 14-6 lead.
In the fourth, the Hokies put together consecutive scoring drives, the first a methodical 10-play 80-yard march that was finished with a back shoulder pitch and catch from Grunkemeyer to Jackson. Tech went for two and converted to tie the score. After a defensive stop, Tech handed the ball off to Jeffrey Overton, Jr. who ran right and gained an edge on the sideline scampering 76 yards to the end zone and what would be the game-winning touchdown.
Game Notes
•Kicker John Love moved into fourth place all-time in scoring at Virginia Tech with his seven points on the afternoon. The fifth year athlete made field goals of 45 yards and 22 yards in the game in addition to one point after attempt. He now has 313 points for his career.
•Tech's defense recorded eight tackles for loss including two sacks by Cortez Harris and another by Aycen Stevens.
•Que'Sean Brown racked up 87 yards on five punt returns including a 50-yard burst that set up the Hokies' offense in the red zone for a drive that resulted in a field goal.
Up Next
The Hokies return home to Lane Stadium on Friday, Oct. 2 against Pitt in another sold-out contest. Fans still seeking single-game ticket options are encouraged to visit SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics.
For fans who already have tickets, be sure to participate in the Stripe Effect.