College football is officially back. And with that the thrilling upsets and heartbreaking upsets unlike any other sport.
Virginia Tech had grown into a trendy pick as a program expected to take a notable leap this season. After a 7-6 record last year, the Hokies returned a number of key players, including quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten. Heading into season three under head coach Brent Pry, many college football fans had the Hokies picked as an ACC threat set to take a step forward.
They were punched in the mouth to start of the season by Vanderbilt who produced a 34-27 overtime victory. Virginia Tech entered this game as 13-point favorites and -520 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. This significant upset cashed at +390 odds for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The SEC underdogs got right to work in this game, scoring the first 17 unanswered points. Virginia Tech looked to get it together after that. They did so, and outscored their opponent 27-3 from this point. Vanderbilt was than able to tie the game 27-27 with 1:51 remaining in the 4th quarter setting the stage for the thrilling finish.
Vanderbilt managed to put Virginia Tech on the ropes to end regulation. The Commodores’ defense forced a three-and-out and got back the football with 1:24 left on the game clock. Their offense continued the production they had flashed throughout the game, and put their kicker in a position to make the game-winning field goal.
With three seconds on the clock and 43 yards away from the goal post, Vanderbilt’s kick pushed right to keep the door open for Virginia Tech.
In overtime, Diego Pavia and company had no problem striking first. Pavia smoothly made his way into the endzone on a quarterback keeper to extend the lead to seven and put the pressure on Virginia Tech.
Pavia transferred to Vanderbilt after two seasons at New Mexico State and has revitalized their offense in a major way. The former Conference USA Player of the Year completed 12 of his 16 passes for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns while adding 104 yards and a touchdown with his legs in this matchup.
Virginia Tech’s day turned from bad to worse to start overtime: starting quarterback Kyron Drones was unable to return to the field. The second-year starter remained on the ground during Virginia Tech’s final offensive possession before eventually limping off. He completed 22 of his 33 pass attempts for a pair of touchdowns and an interception on the day. Drones also added 19 rushing yards on 16 attempts in the matchup.
Former Kent State and UCLA quarterback Collin Schlee stepped onto the field in his absence. The 23-year-old burst free for a 14-yard rush on his first play from scrimmage to take the Hokies down to the 11 yard-line. Despite Drones checking back in for a two-yard rush on second down, the game was left in Schlee’s hands with the biggest stakes on the line.
The 4th-and-11 pass from Schlee went sailing out of the back of the end zone and cemented the 34-27 loss for Virginia Tech. This marked the backup quarterback’s only pass attempt of the game.
This will take a significant amount of wind out of Virginia Tech’s preseason sails. Their weak schedule to start out the season was part of the optimism for the team. Still, they were tripped up a Vanderbilt team that went 2-10 last season. Worse? Vandy had a season-long over/under for wins of just three games this year on DraftKings SportsBook.
This also speaks to the conference-wide struggles the ACC is facing. In addition to Virginia Tech’s disappointing loss, FSU lost to Georgia Tech in Week 0. Earlier today, Clemson put up just three points against Georgia.
There is still plenty of season left for Virginia Tech and the rest of the conference to straighten things out. But this is just another example of why the parity of college football remains unmatched.
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