At the Half the Virginia Tech Hokies Lead the Duke Blue Devils, 17-3

The previous four meetings between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Duke Blue Devils resulted in the home team losing. Last year the Hokies escaped Durham, 24-21. The year before, you may remember, the Hokies lost in 4OT, 43-45. VPI is looking to break this cycle of home losses to Duke.

The first quarter started out much as it has this season. The defense pitched back to back three and outs against the Duke offense. On their first possession the Hokies found themselves 4th and 5 and within field goal range, but decided to go for it instead of allowing Joey Slye to attempt a field goal. VT failed to convert, but the decision does demonstrate a decided lack of trust in Slye’s leg. On their second possession the Hokies again drove into Blue Devils, but were able to come away with a TD when Deshawn McLease ran it in from four yards out. After the three and outs the Hokies defense followed up that performance with back to back turnovers. A brilliant over the shoulder interception by Terrell Edmunds netted... no points. A Duke fumble was recovered by VT in the Blue Devils red zone and netted a Hokie field goal.

The second half largely consisted of the same, but Duke was able to finally get into the red zone and earn a field goal. The Hokie defense has been extremely stingy holding the Duke offense to only 98 yards. Meanwhile the offense has been... well, what we’ve come to expect this season. They’re slow to start and take what the opposing defense gives them. The Hokies stalled on their last three drives of the half, but the defense has been playing lights out.

Course... after I finished writing those last two paragraphs the Hokies go and do amazing things. With less than 20 seconds left in the half the Josh Jackson hit Sean Savoy for a 26 yard TD.

At the end of the half the Virginia Tech Hokies lead the Duke Blue Devils, 17-3.

Go Hokies!!!