Virginia Tech football: Hokies dominate Florida State in season opener

The Virginia Tech Hokies opened the 2018 season hot as quarterback Josh Jackson was perfect on the opening drive and capped it off by finding Damon Hazelton for a 10-yard touchdown.

Essentially, the game was over.

The Hokies went on to defeat the Florida State Seminoles, 24-3, in a one-sided affair that was never close. Tech forced five turnovers, including freshman Caleb Farley picking off the first two passes of his career, while the Hokies also blocked an FSU punt that wide receiver Eric Kumah scooped up for an easy touchdown in the second quarter.

Bud Foster’s new-look defense was nearly flawless. The only real miscue came when FSU running back Cam Akers broke a Farley tackle and raced over 80 yards to get inside the VT 10-yard line. No worries, as the Hokies held tight for another goal-line stand. Florida State found the red zone four times, yet came away with just three points.

The Hokies ended the game midway through the fourth quarter when Jackson, needing a first down to keep the drive alive, rolled right and found Kumah who took care of the rest, breaking several tackles and racing 49 yards to finish off the ‘Noles.

Jackson was efficient and cool under pressure, completing 16 of 26 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. The running game was solid, too, as the Hokies had several big gains on first down.

What a way to start the 2018 season for Virginia Tech. Now, the Hokies head home to Lane Stadium where they’ll host William & Mary in five short days.