Military Bowl Halftime: Virginia Tech Hokies Tied with Cincinnati Bearcats

The 6-6 Virginia Tech Hokies met the 10-2 Cincinnati Bearcats, in the pouring rain, at the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman! The VT offense was the first to take the field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. The Bearcats won the coin toss and deferred their option to the second half. Virginia Tech is coming off two consecutive victories and will be looking to extend their streak of winning seasons!

Virginia Tech’s offense looked sharp during their opening drive, converting a fourth down which set up a 21-yard touchdown from Ryan Willis to Eric Kumah. Sadly, the remainder of the first quarter was offensively mediocre with the Hokies going three-and-out during their other two 1Q possessions. The VPI defense looked much as it has all season, allowing big plays and failing to take advantage of opportunities provided. Cincinnati’s starting QB, Desmond Ridder went down with a lower leg injury late in the first quarter and backup Hayden Moore took over signal-calling duties. The first quarter closed with the score even at 7-7.

Big plays abounded for the Cincinnati offense while the Fighting Gobbler’s defense continued to struggle with missed assignments and tackling. The Bearcats recovered their own fumble during a VT goal line stand to put them up, 14-7. The Hokies offense started to move, primarily thanks to Deshawn McClease and a roughing the passer penalty. Tre Turner scrambled for 23-yards, putting VT on Cinci’s 13-yardline, setting up a Steven Peoples touchdown to tie it up halfway through the second.

With only two minutes left in the VT offense quickly found themselves in Cinci territory after a 26-yard McClease run and 17-yard Damon Hazelton reception, but the 41-yard field goal was wide. The first half ends in a 14-14 tie.

Go Hokies!!!