In a matchup that had all the makings of an ACC slog, Virginia Tech managed to pull ahead against Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon at Lane Stadium. The Hokies, riding a two-game winning streak, hosted their Homecoming game with high expectations, but the Demon Deacons came prepared to spoil the party. Final score: Virginia Tech 27, Wake Forest 20. It wasn't pretty, but for interim coach Philip Montgomery, it was three points in the win column that the team desperately needed after a rocky start to the season.
The game kicked off under crisp fall skies, with Virginia Tech's crowd roaring from the outset. The Hokies struck first, thanks to a solid drive capped by a 10-yard touchdown run from running back Bhayshul Tuten, putting them up 7-0 early in the first quarter. Wake Forest responded quickly, though, leaning on their passing game to even things up before halftime. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier connected on a few key throws, exposing some lapses in the Hokies' secondary that had plagued them in recent weeks.
However, Virginia Tech's defense tightened in the second half. Indeed, they forced two crucial turnovers—a fumble recovery and an interception—that shifted momentum. Tuten again proved his worth, rushing for 142 yards on the day, while the offense avoided the turnovers that had doomed them against Vanderbilt just a week prior. Wake Forest, now 1-4 overall and winless in conference play, fought valiantly but couldn't overcome their own penalties, which added up to 85 yards lost. Their near-upset bid last week against Clemson seemed like a distant memory as fatigue set in.
Moreover, this victory evens Virginia Tech's record at 3-3, a modest rebound for a program that's felt the sting of inconsistency. The Hokies now sit tied for mid-pack in the ACC, with tougher tests looming, including a road trip to Boston College. For Wake Forest, the loss piles on pressure; they've dropped four of five, and questions swirl about their offensive line holding up against stronger fronts.
Still, both squads showed flashes of potential amid the grind. As the conference race heats up, one wonders how these teams might evolve from here.