Old Dominion went more than 59 minutes without an offensive touchdown but got one when it mattered most to upset Virginia Tech 20-17 on Friday night in a wild-state showdown. Running back Blake Watson passed the goal line for a 1-yard touchdown with 33 seconds left to cap a 74-yard go-ahead drive following Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells’ third of four interceptions on the night.
The impressive victory marks the Monarchs’ second win over a Power Five program – both by the Hokies. Old Dominion previously beat Virginia Tech 49-35 in 2018.
Turnovers plagued the Hokies in Brent Pry’s first game as head coach. Specifically, a field goal attempt with 1:26 left in the second quarter led to a scoop and goal from ODU’s Robert Kennedy. That 10-point swing sent the Monarchs into halftime with a 10-7 lead.
Still, Virginia Tech’s defense looks set to take it to a winless week until O’Dean Dominion’s offense gets the game on the line. After accumulating over 200 yards for the entire game, the Monarchs put together a clutch drive capped by Watson.
Old Dominion was a 6.5-point underdog heading into the 2021 Myrtle Beach Bowl after winning its final five regular-season games. With the Hokies moving on from Justin Fuente to Pray, this is expected to be a rebuilding year. Friday night’s result only highlighted that fact.
Although the defense was stout, Virginia Tech’s offense struggled all night with terrible execution. Wells, a Marshall transfer, completed 21 of 36 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. His four interceptions were especially costly, but it was fitting that Virginia Tech’s last-gasp offensive possession was Lake Wales intercepted by the Kings.
