Hokies look to keep the ball rolling in the Franklin era with ODU showdown next

VT block
Virginia Tech records one of its two blocked kicks against VMI. (Bryant Altizer photo)

By Thomas Howlett

Patriot Publishing

Virginia Tech began its season with a staggering 73-3 blowout victory over the VMI Keydets. Old Dominion is now the focus for Coach James Franklin’s squad, as the Monarchs are looking to score an upset over the Hokies for the second straight season.

 

In game number one of the Franklin era, the Hokies clicked on all cylinders. Two running backs finished with multiple rushing touchdowns, transfer Que’Sean Brown finished with over 100 receiving yards, and former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw two touchdown passes with only three incompletions.

 

It was a successful showing from the offense, with the rushing attack being the real highlight. Marcellous Hawkins and Jeff Overton Jr. were the dynamic duo that led the ground game.

 

Overton Jr. found the endzone on a 50-yard rush to score the first touchdown of the season. He also scored once again while leading the team in rushing with 104 yards.

 

Hawkins only finished with 68 yards on the ground, however Hawkins found paydirt three times to complete his first hat-trick.

 

The air attack looked great as well with quick passes being a go to for the Hokies. Brown finished with 106 receiving yards and a highlight reel touchdown from 51 yards out as he sliced through the Keydet defense.

 

Defensively the Hokies looked spectacular. The defensive line reeked havoc as well as the linebackers against VMI. Edges Cortez Harris and Aceyn Stevens were highlights along the line each recording a sack.

 

Linebackers were aggressive against the run heavy Keydets, and it shows in the stats. George Ballance led the team with six tackles, while Noah Chambers, Keon Wylie, Curtis Jones Jr, and Kaleb Spencer were not far behind.

 

Old Dominion will provide a higher level of competition against the Hokies this week, and they know it.

 

The Monarchs delivered the straw that broke the camel’s back, ending the Brent Pry head coaching era in Blacksburg.

 

ODU head coach Ricky Rahne wouldn’t mind another win over his in-state rival.

 

Personnel wise the Monarchs are without standout signal caller Colton Joseph, who torched the Hokies last season. Joseph is now with the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison.

 

The new Monarch QB is Quinn Henicle. Henicle looked solid against Norfolk State although he only attempted 12 passes and ran the ball 13 times.

 

Devin Roche returns at running back after tallying 630 yards and four touchdowns last campaign. Roche went for 45 yards on 13 carries against Norfolk State.

 

JJ Harrell, TJ Johnson, and Josh Rodriguez are the receivers to watch for the Monarchs. Harrell led the team in receiving yards, but Johnson is the only wideout that was on the receiving end of a touchdown, which he did twice.

 

In week one defensive lineman DeAndre Lynch finished with ten tackles leading the team. Behind him the ODU defense stood firm and forced three turnovers against Norfolk State.

 

Linebackers Koa Naotala, Ja’Mez Drummer, and Mario Thompson collected a combined 25 tackles. These linebackers will be instrumental in ODU’s performance Saturday afternoon.

 

Offensively the Hokies will likely rely on the ground game to wear down the Monarch defense. Virginia Tech stuck with a lot of 12 personnel against VMI, and will likely do the same this Saturday.

 

The extra tight end allows the Hokies to force opponents to get big in hopes of matching the physicality of the personnel group, which at the same time will hopefully leave the defense vulnerable on the outside.

 

Defensively, the Hokies most likely won’t be as aggressive in shooting gaps with their linebackers, and this year the defense must contain the opposing QB.

 

While Henicle might not be as talented as Joseph was last season, the Hokies must remain disciplined or it might be another long night against the Monarchs.

 

The secondary will be forced to play this weekend as well, since VMI only attempted a handful of passes. As a unit this will be their first test.

 

Virginia Tech got off to a great start with a foundation laying win, but Old Dominion will look to spoil the Hokies’ early season magic Saturday afternoon.