BLACKSBURG, Virginia — In a stunning upset, Colton Joseph led Old Dominion to a commanding 45-26 victory against Virginia Tech on Saturday, marking the Monarchs’ first road win against an ACC opponent. This loss leaves the Hokies struggling at 0-3 under coach Brent Pry, who is facing mounting pressure during this crucial season.
As the Hokies trailed 28-0 by halftime, boos echoed throughout the stadium, reflecting the frustration of fans disappointed by the team’s performance. Under Pry’s leadership, Virginia Tech’s record now stands at 16-24, with a disheartening trend of being outscored 89-46 over the last two games, allowing a staggering 1,017 yards.
“We’re incredibly disappointed,” Pry remarked following the defeat. “This is not the direction I envisioned for the team tonight. We failed to make crucial stops.”
Joseph had an impressive night, completing 16 of 22 passes, throwing for 276 yards, and adding 63 rushing yards along with a touchdown. Meanwhile, his teammate Trequan Jones contributed significantly with 101 rushing yards and another score, propelling the Monarchs to a total of 527 yards, including 250 on the ground.
Virginia Tech struggled to gain momentum, with critical turnovers, including mishaps in the red zone. “We had flashes of potential, but consistency was lacking,” Pry noted. “We get turnovers but can’t capitalize on them.”
The Monarchs, who entered the game as 6.5-point underdogs, took immediate advantage of two first-half turnovers by Virginia Tech, showcasing their offensive prowess with scoring drives of 93, 97, 88, and 77 yards.
“The accountability starts with me,” Pry acknowledged. “Both players and coaches need to return to basics to reach our potential.”
On the other side, Kory Drones was able to throw for 266 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide for Virginia Tech, which is experiencing its worst start since 1987 and has now lost four straight games counting last season.
This victory was a significant achievement for Old Dominion, possibly their finest performance in coach Ricky Rahne’s six seasons. “I commend Old Dominion; they have a solid team,” Pry admitted. “However, we didn’t put in the effort needed to succeed.”
The Hokies are scheduled to face Wofford on September 20, while the Monarchs will host Liberty on September 27.
“Every week gives us confidence,” Rahne said. “Our players believe in themselves, and tonight they executed really well.”
Report contributed by The Associated Press.