Ethan Grunkemeyer Leads Hokies to Important ACC Victory
Virginia Tech bounced back in a big way Saturday, defeating Georgia Tech 34-24 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. The Hokies built a 21 point halftime lead, survived a second-half comeback attempt and made enough plays late to secure an important ACC victory.
Head coach James Franklin’s Virginia Tech team improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play, snapping a two-game losing streak. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, fell to 2-4 after struggling to keep pace with the Hokies early and failing to complete its comeback.
Grunkemeyer Sparks Virginia Tech’s Fast Start
Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer helped Virginia Tech establish control almost immediately. On the third play from scrimmage, Grunkemeyer connected with wide receiver Que’Sean Brown for a 60-yard touchdown, giving the Hokies an early 7-0 advantage.
Virginia Tech added another score when Grunkemeyer broke free for a 20-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. The Hokies’ defense also delivered a key stop after Georgia Tech running back Trelain Maddox fumbled during the Yellow Jackets’ opening possession.
Georgia Tech managed a field goal in the second quarter, but Virginia Tech responded with another touchdown. Grunkemeyer connected with Ja’Ricous Hairston for a five-yard score, and kicker John Love added a 39 yard field goal before halftime.
The Hokies entered the break with a commanding 24-3 lead, putting themselves in an excellent position to end their losing streak.
Georgia Tech Makes Things Interesting
The Yellow Jackets came out of halftime with renewed energy. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza helped spark the offense, while Maddox broke loose for a 42 yard rushing touchdown to cut into Virginia Tech’s advantage.
Georgia Tech quickly found another score when Mendoza connected with Dalen Pinson for a 33 yard touchdown. Suddenly, the Yellow Jackets had trimmed the deficit to 24-17, putting pressure on the Hokies to respond.
Virginia Tech answered at a crucial moment. Grunkemeyer led another scoring drive that ended with freshman running back Jeffrey Overton Jr. breaking through for a 26 yard touchdown. The score restored a two-touchdown advantage and gave the Hokies some much-needed breathing room.
Grunkemeyer finished with 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes while adding a rushing touchdown, delivering an impressive performance in a game Virginia Tech needed to win.
Hokies Finish Strong
Georgia Tech continued fighting in the fourth quarter, but Virginia Tech’s defense made enough stops to protect the lead. Love added a 24 yard field goal, and the Hokies managed the clock as the game moved toward its conclusion.
Brown was another major contributor, catching six passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. His explosive plays helped Virginia Tech establish early momentum and provided a spark when the offense needed one.
For Franklin and the Hokies, the victory provides a valuable opportunity to rebuild confidence after consecutive defeats. Virginia Tech showed its offensive potential in the first half and demonstrated resilience when Georgia Tech threatened to make the game close.
The Hokies will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup against Clemson. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, must regroup after falling behind early and leaving itself too much work to do.
Virginia Tech got the response it needed, earning a 34-24 win and giving its season a much-needed boost.