Why do power conference teams rarely play on the road at Group of Five schools? Just ask Virginia Tech.
Over the last six years, the Hokies have twice traveled across Virginia to play Old Dominion and each time they have lost.
When the Hokies (1-1) make another trip to Norfolk to face the Monarchs (0-2) on Saturday, they’ll try to overcome their unfortunate history in the series.
In three meetings at Virginia Tech, the Hokies have handled the Monarchs, including a 36-17 victory in last year’s season opener. But it’s been a different story in Norfolk.
“I’m not naive,” Old Dominion coach Ricky Rahne said. “I recognize that Virginia Tech is an important game. It’s important to me. It’s important to our school. It’s important to our fan base.”
Virginia Tech isn’t as enthusiastic about the matchup. Hokies coach Brent Pry twice dodged questions about his opinion of the series, which includes three more games in Norfolk over the next seven years.
“These contracts are in place well ahead of time. I don’t worry about things I can’t control,” said Pry, who dropped a 20-17 decision at Old Dominion in his head coaching debut two years ago.
“We’ve gotta be the type of team that can go to Old Dominion and win the football game.”
The Hokies are coming off a 31-14 win over Marshall in which Bhayshul Tuten rushed 22 times for 120 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s a guy who’s gonna play in the NFL for quite a long time,” Rahne said. “He really does fit what the NFL is looking for right now.”
Old Dominion also will look to contain quarterback Kyron Drones, who has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 452 yards and three touchdowns. Drones also poses a threat on the ground, rushing for 818 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Old Dominion has had a frustrating start to the season, committing six turnovers. The Monarchs squandered a fourth-quarter lead in a 23-19 loss at South Carolina on Aug. 31 before dropping a 20-14 decision against East Carolina last Saturday.
Quarterback Grant Wilson, who has thrown for 2,538 yards and 19 touchdowns over the last two years, was hurt on the final play last week against East Carolina.
Rahne was mum on the status of Wilson and All-American linebacker Jason Henderson, who led the nation in tackles (14.2 per game) last year. Henderson, who had offseason knee surgery, did not play last week.
If Wilson can’t play, Old Dominion will turn to Boston College transfer Emmett Morehead or redshirt freshman Colton Joseph.
–Field Level Media
