Overview
- Virginia Tech scored 73 points and outgained VMI 619-83 in a season-opening rout that ended 73-3.
- The game was Franklin’s first as Hokies head coach and featured scoring on Virginia Tech’s first six possessions and just one punt.
- Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 17 of 20 for 224 yards and two touchdowns while Marcellous Hawkins rushed for three TDs and Jeffrey Overton ran for 108 yards and two scores.
- Special teams and defense swung momentum with two blocked VMI punts, one returned for a touchdown, and the Hokies held VMI to 83 total yards and negative rushing yardage.
- Saturday’s result offers encouraging early proof that Franklin’s 27-transfer rebuild can produce explosive play, but reporters caution the win’s significance is limited because VMI is an overmatched FCS opponent.