Virginia Tech vs. Tulane Short Report | Dec 27, 2023
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Annapolis, MD
Dec 27, 2023
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Game Recap
The Virginia Tech Hokies clinched a decisive 41-20 victory over the Tulane Green Wave in the Military Bowl, marking their first win against a ranked opponent under coach Brent Pry. Despite facing slippery, wet conditions, sophomore quarterback Kyron Drones showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 176 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for two scores. Bhayshul Tuten complemented the offensive surge by adding 136 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Tulane's defense initiated the scoring with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by Tyler Grubbs, but Virginia Tech's relentless ground attack proved too much for the Green Wave to handle. The Hokies capitalized on Tulane's mistakes, including three lost fumbles, to ensure their victory. Key defensive plays, such as Pheldarius Payne forcing a crucial fumble at the 1-yard line, highlighted Virginia Tech's dominant performance.
Key Plays:
Tyler Grubbs (Tulane Green Wave)
Tyler Grubbs capitalized on Kyron Drones' fumble, returning it 21 yards for a touchdown to give Tulane an early 7-0 lead.
John Love (Virginia Tech Hokies)
John Love kicked a 35-yard field goal to put the Hokies on the board, making the score 7-3.
Kyron Drones (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Kyron Drones ran for an 11-yard touchdown following a muffed punt by Tulane, giving Virginia Tech their first lead at 10-7.
Valentino Ambrosio (Tulane Green Wave)
Valentino Ambrosio nailed a 49-yard field goal to tie the game at 10-10.
Kyron Drones (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Kyron Drones threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Saint Germain, giving the Hokies a 17-10 lead just before halftime.
Kai Horton (Tulane Green Wave)
Kai Horton scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown, briefly tying the game at 17-17 early in the second half.
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Bhayshul Tuten's 9-yard touchdown run reclaimed the lead for the Hokies, making it 24-17.
John Love (Virginia Tech Hokies)
John Love extended the lead to 27-17 with another 35-yard field goal.
Valentino Ambrosio (Tulane Green Wave)
Valentino Ambrosio converted a 20-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 27-20.
Kyron Drones (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Kyron Drones found Benji Gosnell with a 10-yard touchdown pass, increasing the Hokies' lead to 34-20.
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Bhayshul Tuten capped off the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run, making the final score 41-20.
Pheldarius Payne (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Pheldarius Payne forced a fumble at the Tulane 1-yard line, preventing a potential Green Wave touchdown and maintaining the Hokies' early lead.
Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Mansoor Delane recovered a critical fumble at the Tulane 44-yard line, setting up the Hokies' final touchdown.
Standout Players:
Kyron Drones (Virginia Tech Hokies, QB)
Completed 13 of 21 passes for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns. Drones also rushed for 176 yards and a touchdown, proving his resilience under tough conditions despite fumbling three times, only losing one.
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech Hokies, RB)
Rushed 18 times for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tuten's consistent gains on the ground helped the Hokies control the clock and maintain their lead throughout the game.
Tyler Grubbs (Tulane Green Wave, LB)
Recovered a fumble and returned it for a 21-yard touchdown to give Tulane an early lead. Grubbs also recorded eight tackles, showcasing his defensive prowess despite the loss.
John Love (Virginia Tech Hokies, K)
Scored two field goals from 35 yards and made all PATs, contributing 11 points to the Hokies' total score and providing stability in special teams.
Pheldarius Payne (Virginia Tech Hokies, DL)
Forced a critical fumble at the 1-yard line, preventing a Tulane touchdown and maintaining Virginia Tech's momentum in the first half.
Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech Hokies, DB)
Recovered a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter, which led to Virginia Tech's final touchdown, cementing their victory.
References:
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Tulane Green Wave - Final Score - December 27, 2023 | FOX Sports
Highlights: Military Bowl | Tulane vs Virginia Tech Football (Dec. 27, 2023) - YouTube
First Half Lookback: Virginia Tech vs. Tulane - Virginia Tech Athletics
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Tulane Green Wave in the Military Bowl - Gobbler Country
Highlights and touchdowns of Virginia Tech 41-20 Tulane Green Wave in NCAA Football | December 27, 2023 - VAVEL USA
Tulane University Athletics Football History vs Virginia Tech
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Virginia Tech Hokies
10
7
10
14
41
Tulane Green Wave
7
3
7
3
20
