Tech wins home opener

Running back Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown to lead Virginia Tech to a 31-14 victory over Marshall on Saturday.

Quarterback Kyron Drones ran for a touchdown and threw for another for the Hokies, leading by a field goal at intermission, 10-7. They caught fire after the break, scoring touchdowns on their first three second-half possessions to pull away.

Tuten scored from a yard out on Virginia Tech’s opening drive of the second half to give Virginia Tech (1-1) a 17-7 lead. Marshall (1-1) answered to make it 17-14 on an 18-yard scoring pass from Stone Earle to Christian Fitzpatrick, but the Hokies answered behind Drones, who scored on a 3-yard run on the Hokies’ next possession, then threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Da’Quan Felton early in the fourth quarter to push the Virginia Tech lead to 17.

Tuten’s performance marked his fifth 100-yard rushing game as a Hokie and the 15th of his career. Virginia Tech finished with 208 yards rushing. Wide receiver Stephen Gosnell also recorded the longest reception of his career, a 49-yard catch.

Jaylin Lane recorded his first punt return touchdown as a Hokie in the second quarter, racing in on a 58-yard touchdown. It was the second punt return TD of Lane’s career.

Cornerback Mansoor Delane grabbed his first interception of the season, picking off a tipped pass from Mose Phillips. The Tech secondary recorded 12 pass breakups, tied for the second-most PBUs they’ve had since 1987.

After amassing 549 yards in its season-opening victory over Stony Brook, Marshall finished with just 278 yards.

The Hokies’ next game takes them on the road against Old Dominion this Saturday night. Kick off is at 6:00 PM with pregame coverage beginning at 4:00 PM on 103.3 FM WESR.