Virginia Tech and Old Dominion square off in in-state matchup
Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) runs into Marshall defender A.G. McGee (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Credit: AP/Matt Gentry
Virginia Tech (1-1) at Old Dominion (0-2), Saturday, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Virginia Tech by 14.
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 3-2.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Virginia Tech, which pulled away late to beat Marshall 31-14 last week, is looking for a second consecutive win over Old Dominion after knocking off the Monarchs in Blacksburg last season. The Hokies are hoping for a faster start after struggling on offense in the first half of both their games so far this season, including a 1-for-9 performance on third downs in the first half against the Herd. Old Dominion fell to South Carolina 23-19 in the season opener and 20-14 to East Carolina. The Monarchs have beaten the Hokies twice in Norfolk (2018 and 2022) and hope to continue that trend after two close losses.
KEY MATCHUP
Old Dominion’s run defense has been vulnerable over its first two games, including allowing East Carolina running back Rahjai Harris to go for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns. South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders scored once and ran for 88 yards. The performances continue a dubious trend for the Monarchs, who struggled against the rush a year ago in allowing an average 178.5 rushing yards per game. The matchup against that run defense offers an opportunity for Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten, who rushed for 120 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown against Marshall.
Virginia Tech cornerback Dante Lovett (1) breaks up a pass intended for Marshall wide receiver Carl Chester (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Credit: AP/Matt Gentry
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Virginia Tech: Tuten, who has scored a rushing touchdown in each of the first two games and is averaging 5 yards per carry. He also is a factor in the passing game, having caught 10 passes already this season, including one for a touchdown.
Old Dominion: S Jahron Manning, who had the first two interceptions of his career in the loss to East Carolina, leading a performance in which Old Dominion tied its single-game record with four interceptions. Manning had a career-high 10 tackles as well, and he ranks third on the team with 17 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss.
FACTS & FIGURES
Old Dominion quarterback Grant Wilson (7) leaves South Carolina defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (91) behind on his way to a 36-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. Credit: AP/Artie Walker Jr.
Old Dominion QB Grant Wilson was injured on the last play of the game against East Carolina and his status was unknown for Saturday. Old Dominion LB Jason Henderson missed the East Carolina game with an injury and his status also is unknown … Fourteen of Old Dominion’s past 16 games have been decided by a touchdown or less … Old Dominion’s 57 newcomers are the 15th most nationally … Old Dominion coach Ricky Raine is 15-25 in his four-plus seasons and has yet to register a winning season … Rahne and Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry coached together at both Penn State and Vanderbilt … Pry is 3-10 on the road as Virginia Tech’s head coach and 11-15 overall … Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane had an interception against Marshall and allowed just one catch on eight targets. He also finished with two of the Hokies’ 12 pass breakups.
