Virginia Tech Survives Thrilling Opener
The rivalry is back with a bang.
Every year from 1973 to 2005, West Virginia and Virginia Tech went to war in one of the most competitive rivalries in the country. In those 33 games, West Virginia won 17, Virginia Tech 16.
Now it’s 17-17.
It finished 31-24 Virginia Tech, a game every bit as close as the score would suggest. The first half was tight, with the defenses continuing to bend without breaking. After a first quarter that ended 3-0 Hokies, the teams traded second quarter scores. West Virginia quarterback and Florida transfer Will Grier hit David Stills V for an 11-yard score, but a five-yard scamper by Virginia Tech’s quarterback Josh Jackson restored the lead for his team going into the intermission.
The third quarter is where the game accelerated into somewhat of a shootout. Up and down action resulted in a 24-point quarter, 14 of them going to the ACC school to extend their lead to 24-17.
The Mountaineers quickly responded with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Grier to Gary Jennings.
But the winning score game 6:30 left, after a 46-yard run by quarterback Josh Jackson set the Hokies up on the goal line. Travon McMillian ended up putting the ball in the end zone from three yards away. Combine that with a last second stand by the Virginia Tech defense, and it was just enough to send the bragging rights home with Virginia Tech and put them in the win column to start 2017. Use this Bet365 bonus code when backing Virginia Tech in their next game.
Here’s my instant reaction to an enthralling game at FedEx Field.
1. Virginia Tech won’t miss a beat at quarterback
With all due respect to Jerod Evans and what he accomplished for Virginia Tech last season, they looked absolutely fine without him tonight. Josh Jackson stepped in and impressed with both his arms and his legs, leaving West Virginia defenders in the dust all night. The Hokies are going to be fine under center if he stays healthy.
2. Will Grier can make things happen
He came out on the wrong side of the score, but he looked lively tonight. He showed an ability to make plays outside the pocket he rarely did while he was at Florida, hitting receivers all over the field. He finished with 371 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with another 52 yards on the ground. The Big-12 as a conference is predicated on offense, and West Virginia’s ability to keep up with the likes of Oklahoma on offense will be crucial to their season.
3. Both Teams Have Clear #1s
Cam Phillips for Virginia Tech and Gary Jennings for West Virginia both looked unstoppable at times during this game. They finished with 138 and 189 yards respectively, each grabbing a touchdown as a cherry on top. With two good quarterbacks that will look to make big plays all season, having clearly established go to receivers is a huge luxury.
4. The 4th and 1 Punt Was Fatal
With a few ticks under nine minutes to go in the game, the score was tied 24-24. The Mountaineers had 4th and 1 at the Virginia Tech 46. Head coach Dana Holgorsen elected to punt and try to pin Virginia Tech back. Virginia Tech ended up driving 82 yards to take the lead, and they held it until the clock hit triple zeroes. Maybe Holgorsen was timid because of West Virginia failing to convert a 4th and 2 in the second quarter, but they had shown more than enough on offense to get one yard and keep the drive moving. This conservative decision making helped deliver the knockout blow to West Virginia.
5. The Black Diamond Trophy Should Be Played Annually
Seriously, how much fun was that? For two teams that haven’t played since 2005, they certainly brought the intensity you see from rivalries that are played every year. And that’s exactly what this should be. Play it as an annual opener in Washington D.C. like Illinois and Missouri used to do in St. Louis, or do it at the home campuses every year in Blacksburg and Morgantown. Regardless of what they come up with, this game should be played like was every year for decades.