Virginia Tech football: Hokies lead 17-6 at the half

The Virginia Tech Hokies lead the Rhode Island Rams 17-6 at halftime on Saturday afternoon in Lane Stadium. The Hokies had a chance to put up more points just before the half but quarterback Hendon Hooker was sacked for an eight-yard loss.

On the very next play, offensive coordinator Brad Cornelson calls for an inside give to running back Deshawn McClease which goes for a six-yard loss. With the clock now under one minute remaining in the half, Tech faced a 3rd-and-24.

However, not all things were bad in the first half. Hooker looked good, completing 10 of 15 passes for 163 yards and two scores. He had two passes dropped. Wide receiver Damon Hazelton had a big first half, catching four passes for 67 yards and two scores. He did have a couple of drops, though, including one that would’ve went for a huge gain on Tech’s final drive of the half.

McClease leads the Hokies with 43 yards rushing on five attempts, while freshman Keshawn King chipped in with 23 yards on the ground. King also had a career-high 40 yard reception.

Defensively, the Hokies allowed some yardage between the 20s, but tightened up inside the 10-yard line. Overall, the Rams had 144 total yards in the half. Tech needs to get more pressure on Rhode Island QB Vito Priore. Alan Tisdale has been outstanding for the Hokies in the first half.

Rhode Island will receive first in the second half.