Virginia Tech started out the game with running the ball on their mind. Their opening drive began with 7 straight running plays and 2 first downs, before eventually a false start pushed them back and forced them to throw for the first time on 3rd and long. The ensuing pass was incomplete and the Eagles offense (with a returning Phil Jurkovec) came out on the field after the punt.
A big 13-yard run by Pat Garwo, 11-yard scramble by Phil Jurkovec, and a 13-yard pass to Jaelen Gill quickly had the Eagles working in Virginia Tech’s territory.