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Virginia Tech-Wake Forest postgame notes
• Virginia Tech wore white helmets, with white jerseys and orange pants today. This is the first time in program history that the Hokies have worn this uniform combination.
• Donovan Riley recorded his third career interception in the first quarter. It was second of the season. The other came in the Hokies' win over Ohio State, which he returned for a touchdown.
• Wake Forest’s Mike Weaver missed three field goals in the game, making it 12 missed field goal by opposing kickers against Tech this season. Opposing kickers missed only three field goals against the Hokies last season in 13 games.
• The last time Virginia Tech played in a game when neither team scored in the first half was in 2004 against the University of Virginia in Blacksburg. The Hokies went on to win that game 24-10 over the Cavaliers.
• The last time Tech played in a game that was scoreless through three quarters was in 1990 against then-No. 7 Georgia Tech. The Hokies lost 6-3 in that game.
• Today’s game was the first in ACC history to finish 0-0 at the end of regulation and head to overtime. It was the first time since Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State in 2005 that two teams played to a 0-0 draw in regulation. ASU won that game 3-0 in overtime.
• Virginia Tech is now 6-4 all time in overtime, 3-2 on the road. The Hokies have lost their past two overtime games (Maryland, 2013). Today marked the first time Tech has played a double-overtime game. The Hokies have played in two three-overtime games, however.
• With four catches, freshman tight end Bucky Hodges broke the single-season record for catches by a tight end under head coach Frank Beamer and now has 39 on the season. He moved past Steve Johnson, who had 38 in 1987. Hodges had 39 yards in the game to give him 456 yards for the season, and he now needs 21 yards to break the record for receiving yards in a season by a tight end under Beamer (475, Johnson, 1987).
• True freshman Isaiah Ford caught five passes in the game to give him 50 for the season. He becomes just the eighth player in school history to catch 50 or more passes in a season. The school record for catches in a season is 61, held by Jarrett Boykin, who set the mark in 2011 as a senior. The other seven Tech players to catch 50 or more passes in a season were all juniors or seniors when they accomplished the feat.
• Tech beat then-No. 19 Duke last week, but lost today. The Hokies have now lost four straight and five out of their past six games after beating a ranked opponent.
• Joey Slye’s field goal in the first overtime extended Virginia Tech’s scoring streak to 254 games. The streak is the fifth-longest active streak in the FBS and the 11th-longest of all time in the Division I-A/FBS history. It marked the first time that Tech was held scoreless in regulation since the beginning of the streak, which started in 1995. Cincinnati beat Tech 16-0 in 1995, making the Bearcats the last team to shut out Tech in regulation.
• Before Saturday, Tech had pretty good success playing in the state of North Carolina. Despite the loss, the Hokies have still won 12 of their past 15 games in the Tar Heel State. Since 2000, the Hokies are 19-4 in games played in North Carolina.
Wake downs Tech 6-3 in two overtimes
Wake Forest kicker Mike Weaver hit a 39-yard field goal in the second overtime to lift the Demon Deacons past Virginia Tech 6-3 in two overtimes on BB&T Field on Saturday.
With the loss, Tech fell to 5-6 overall on the season, 2-5 in the ACC. Wake is now 3-8 overall, 1-6 in the ACC and snapped a six-game losing streak. The Demon Deacons also snapped a five-game losing skid to the Hokies.
The two teams were scoreless in regulation, though Wake had a chance to win it on the final play. The Demon Deacons drove from their own 20 to the Tech 19. After a 9-yard run by quarterback John Wolford, Wake called a timeout with 4 seconds left to set up a 37-yard field-goal attempt by Weaver.
After missing two field goals in regulation wide left, Weaver pushed this attempt wide right, and the game went into overtime. Weaver came into the game having made 13 of his 14 attempts on the season.
Wake registered the first score of the game in overtime. The Demon Deacons got the ball first and lost six yards on three plays. That set up a 49-yard field-goal attempt for Weaver, and he drilled it to give the Demon Deacons a 3-0 lead.
The Hokies got the ball for their possession, and four straight J.C. Coleman runs got the Hokies to the Wake 10. But on third-and-5, quarterback Michael Brewer threw the ball away, and kicker Joey Slye hit a 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 3.
The Hokies then retained possession, but disaster struck on third-and-9 from the Wake 35. Brewer was sacked for an 11-yard loss, and Tech settled for a 53-yard attempt by Slye. Slye, though, missed wide left, setting up the Demon Deacons’ final possession.
Wake got to the Tech 21, and then sent out Weaver to try a 39-yard field goal. He drilled it to win the game.
Tech out-gained the Demon Deacons 254-234, led by J.C. Coleman’s 98 yards rushing. Brewer completed 15-of-28 for 126 yards, with one interception.
Tech and Wake go to the fourth quarter – still scoreless
For the first time since 1990, Virginia Tech is going to the fourth quarter in a scoreless tie with its opponent.
Wake Forest again had a good opportunity to get on the board, marching to the Tech 24 before losing a yard on third-and-8. Wake kicker Mike Weaver then proceeded to miss a 42-yard field goal wide to the left, but the Hokies were called for offsides. Weaver then lined up a 37-yard field goal – which he again missed to the left.
Tech had just three first downs in the third quarter, and quarterback Michael Brewer did not complete a pass. Brewer is 12-of-22 for 99 yards in the game.
Tech has 181 yards compared to 170 for Wake.
Virginia Tech Halftime Notes
• Virginia Tech is wearing white helmets, with white jerseys and orange pants today. This is the first time in program history the Hokies have worn this uniform combination.
• Donovan Riley recorded his third career interception in the first quarter, his second of the season.
• Wake Forest’s Mike Weaver missed a 42-yard field in the second quarter, marking the 10th missed field goal by opposing kickers against Tech this season. Opposing kickers missed only three field goals against the Hokies last season in 13 games.
• The last time Virginia Tech played in a game where neither team scored in the first half was in 2004 against the University of Virginia in Blacksburg. The Hokies went on to win that game 24-10 over the Cavaliers.
• With three first half catches, freshman tight end Bucky Hodges needs just one more catch to break the single-season record for catches by a tight end under head coach Frank Beamer. He is tied with Steve Johnson, who had 38 in 1987. Hodges had 24 yards in the first half and now needs 35 yards to break the record for receiving yards in a season by a tight end under Beamer (475, Johnson, 1987).
• True freshman Isaiah Ford caught five passes in the first half to give him 50 for the season. He becomes just the eighth player in school history to catch 50 or more passes in a season.The school record for catches in a season is 61, held by Jarrett Boykin, which he set in 2011 as a senior. The other seven Tech players to catch 50 or more passes in a season were all juniors or seniors when they accomplished the mark.
Tech and Wake scoreless at halftime
The second quarter brought no scoring in this one, though Wake Forest missed an opportunity. The Demon Deacons took over at their own 45 on one possession, and they drove to the Tech 24 before coming up short on third-and-1.
Wake elected to attempt a field goal, and kicker Mike Weaver – who had made 13 of 14 attempts this season – missed a 42-yarder, giving the Hokies possession of the ball at the 24.
The numbers by both team’s offenses weren’t particularly good. Tech had just 132 yards of offense, while Wake recorded just 79. Tech had just 33 rushing yards and Wake just 29. The two teams combined for just 12 first downs in 30 minutes of action.
For Tech, tight end Bucky Hodges tied the mark for receptions by a tight end under Frank Beamer. Hodges caught three passes for 24 yards, giving him 38 on the season. Former tight end Steve Johnson caught 38 passes during the 1987 season – Beamer’s first at Tech.
Wake gets the ball to start the second half.
In a defensive struggle, Tech and Wake are scoreless at the half.
Tech and Wake scoreless after a quarter
Neither team got on the board in the first quarter of play, though the Hokies had an opportunity.
They drove to the Wake Forest 36 on their opening drive of the game, but they didn’t gain another yard, and Tech coach Frank Beamer elected to punt.
Wake Forest had a nice drive toward the end of the quarter, driving all the way to the Tech 15. But on third-and-9, Wake Forest’s John Wolford threw a pass that was intercepted by Tech’s Donovan Riley to end the threat.
Tech had just 51 yards in the first quarter, with J.C. Coleman rushing for 26 yards on six carries. Wake Forest only had 45 total yards.
Final preparations being made for today's Tech-Wake Forest game. Tech is looking to become bowl eligible for the 22nd straight year.
Hodges emerging as Tech’s top weapon
Brenden Motley’s entrance into the game last Saturday at Duke to run Tech’s “Wildcat” package probably reduced Bucky Hodges’ role as a quarterback to … well … nothing.
That didn’t sit too well with Hodges, the type of player who has the confidence to play any position on the field.
“I definitely said something to him about it,” Hodges said, cracking a smile. “Nah, I mess with Mot [Motley] all the time. He’s a hard worker. He’s going to be a good player for this program. I’ve got no problem with him running that package.”
That’s probably because Hodges is getting a lot of action his way as a tight end. The redshirt freshman from Virginia Beach, Virginia, caught six passes for 57 yards against the Blue Devils, including a 15-yarder for a touchdown that turned out to be the game-winner.
The six catches tied a season high and gave him 35 on the season. His six touchdown receptions rank tied for fifth in the ACC and second overall among conference tight ends.
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His ascension to playmaker has been quick. He came to Tech as a quarterback, but the coaching staff asked him to move to tight end during the middle of last season to emulate former North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron before the Hokies’ game with the Tar Heels. The coaches liked what they saw, and he liked the position, so he decided to stay there.
Heading into this season, he was third on the depth chart behind Ryan Malleck and Kalvin Cline. Now’s he’s emerged as arguably Tech’s top offensive weapon.
“I’m definitely a lot more comfortable now than early in the season,” Hodges said. “I feel like every week I’m getting better. There are little things I’m learning to do right. The coaches have been hard on me, but I’m starting to see why they’re so hard on me. It’s working out for me, and it’s working for the better of the team. I’m feeling a lot more comfortable right now.”
Hodges’ six touchdown receptions are tied for the most by a Tech tight end in school history. Former tight end Jeff King also caught six in 2005.
Hodges had high expectations of himself coming into this year. But school records weren't really on his radar.
“I’m not going to say I didn’t expect that, but it wasn’t on my mind,” he said. “I didn’t come into the season saying I was going to break a lot of records and stuff like that. My focus was on just getting better every day in practice and get better throughout every week. That’s still my focus now – to get better.”
That’s something he’s willing to do – even if it means sacrificing his role as the Wildcat guy to spend more time honing his skills as a tight end.
“It was fun doing it,” Hodges said. “It’s always fun to have the ball in my hands, but Brenden is a good player. It’s just another way to get playmakers the ball. Brenden’s a good player. You saw him break a run against Duke out of that package. Everyone blocked it, and he was one-on-one with the linebacker and he made him miss. He’s a good athlete. He's perfect for that role.”
Edmunds trying to be patient in return from latest injury
Virginia Tech tailback Trey Edmunds returned to the practice field this week for the first time since fracturing his clavicle in the North Carolina game. He spent much of the week in the blue jersey, signifying limited work.
Edmunds, a redshirt sophomore from Danville, Virginia, was just showing flashes of his old self after breaking his left leg last season in the regular-season finale at Virginia. He had carried the ball 12 times for 54 yards against the Tar Heels, easily season highs.
Then he broke his clavicle, which has cost him four games thus far.
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“It’s definitely frustrating, but it’s something you’ve got to deal with,” Edmunds said. “It’s the nature of the game nowadays. Football is a sport with a lot of contact, and a lot of injuries occur in this game. You’ve just got to take the good with the bad.”
Edmunds is one of four Tech tailbacks to suffer a major injury this season – Shai McKenzie and Marshawn Williams both tore ACLs and are done for this season, and Jerome Wright has a knee injury that also makes him out for the season. Williams tore his in the Hokies’ win over Duke last Saturday, and without him J.C. Coleman moved into the lead role.
Coleman started the season opener against William & Mary, but he hadn’t carried the ball since fumbling against Pitt on Oct. 16 – a turnover that led to a Panther touchdown in a 21-16 defeat. Yet Coleman responded to the additional workload with 95 yards on 20 carries.
“He had a stellar day,” Edmunds said of Coleman. “It’s a prime example of a guy who shows patience and just waits for his opportunity. He’s a good running back and a good guy. Things weren’t going his way, but he was always ready. He was just waiting on his time, and he showed everyone what he could do.”
Edmunds wasn’t sure if he would play in Saturday’s game against Wake Forest, but he will make the trip (he's listed as questionable). The injuries essentially leave Coleman, fullback Sam Rogers and seldom-used Joel Caleb as the tailbacks.
“We’re definitely thin, but the guys we still have can go just as good as the guys that got hurt,” Edmunds said. “Even though we’ve got a lot of guys down, we’ve got a lot of guys that can go out and produce a 100-yard game and help this team to excel.”
The Hokies should find that out at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Trio of Tech football players help give tour to special needs students
Three Virginia Tech football players gave up a huge chunk of their free time on Wednesday to be with a group of special needs students and their teachers, all who came to Tech’s campus to see the athletics facilities.
The football players – Seth Dooley, Wade Hansen and Colton Taylor – first visited with the students and then walked around with them as they went on the tour. A tour of athletics facilities usually consists of a combination of visiting locker rooms, the football players’ lounge, the meeting rooms, the floor of Cassell Coliseum, the Olympic Sports Athletic Performance Center, the strength and conditioning area in the Merryman Center and the Hall of Legends in Merryman.
The tour also includes walking through the tunnel into Lane Stadium. Dooley, Hansen and Taylor took turns lifting the kids so that they could touch the piece of Hokie stone at the end of the tunnel before entering onto the field.
“I had a great time showing some very amazing people around,” Dooley said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces made my day. You could see that showing them around definitely brightened their day. Any opportunity I have to do that, I’m going to do.”
The day held special meaning for Dooley. The students were from Glenvar High School in Salem, Virginia, a roughly 30-minute drive north of Blacksburg. The trip came about after one of the teachers contacted Dooley, who graduated from Glenvar High School in 2012.
On the field this season, Dooley, a defensive end, has played in all 10 games as a redshirt freshman in a backup role and has five tackles on the season. Hansen, an offensive tackle, has played in all 10 games and started the Duke game in place of injured tackle Jonathan McLaughlin. Like Dooley, Taylor, a redshirt freshman who is the backup snapper (he hasn’t played this season), is from Salem, though he played at Salem High School.
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