Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Virginia Tech fell to Big Ten opponent Minnesota 24-10 in this past week’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and onlookers were scratching their heads about the Hokie product they saw on the field.
The team used both Pop Warner and Colin Schlee at quarterback in the bowl game. Coach Brent Pry said the rotation of the two QB’s was planned.
“We knew we were going to play Collin Schlee some. We had some plays that were packaged for him. But William “Pop” Watson III had a great week of bowl prep, a great two weeks, really. He played well against UVA. Pop’s a guy that we got to keep improving, and he’s got to keep growing and learning. I thought this would be another experience for him to do that,” he said.
Offensively, freshmen made a significant impact. Running back Tyler Mason led the ground attack with 35 yards on seven carries, while fellow freshman wide receiver Keylen Adams contributed with a 14-yard reception and a 47-yard rush in the second half, helping to provide some momentum late in the game.
Defensively, cornerback Dante Lovett came up with his first career interception late in the second quarter, returning it 17 yards while adding six tackles. Linebacker Kaleb Spencer led the defense with eight tackles, including one for a loss of two yards. Honorary Lunch Pail carrier Wilfried Pene recorded the Hokies’ only sack of the game, a nine-yard loss on Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer.
Despite the loss, Tech’s head coach said it was important for the program to participate in the bowl game.
“Yeah, I mean, again, this was a great experience for our football team. Obviously disappointed, we wanted to win this sucker bad. And, but the practices, the new guys getting opportunities, gaining experience, playing in an atmosphere like this. That’s really impactful for the growth of our team. So, I’m still all for it; it’s challenging. But it’s one of those things that, from a perspective standpoint, you see the positives in it, and you run with it,” Pry said.
He remains optimistic about where Virginia Tech is moving.
“Yeah, I’m excited about the guys returning. I’m excited about the class we signed. I’m excited about what we’re doing in the transfer portal. We’re a much better team even today than we were last year at this time.
“We’re just closer in so many areas, whether it’s in our locker room, whether it’s on the field, whether it’s depth, we’re just in a better place. And I thought this bowl prep kind of gave me confidence in that. Watching these young guys and what they did and how they worked and practice habits, there’s a lot of good things,” he said.
Former Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster was back in the booth during the bowl game, and Pry said he will continue to be in some form as a consultant in the near future.
Pry continues to look for a new defensive coordinator, but he said it will not be Foster. He will remain as a special consultant. Insiders expect an announcement in the near future, possibly after the college football playoffs, leading many to believe the new DC is part of one of four schools.