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Virginia Tech vs Vanderbilt: Live Updates, Score, Stats, and Highlights From Today's Week One Matchup

Virginia Tech opens their season in Nashville against the Vanderbilt Commodores.

RJ Schafer

Nov 18, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) runs the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) runs the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Virginia Tech is set to kickoff their anticipated 2024 campaign today against the Vanderbilt Commodores. All eyes will be watching this matchup against two historic Power Four teams. Virginia Tech will be looking to start off their 2024 season with a solid win against a FBS team outside of the Group of Five. Vanderbilt is looking to build on their new core heading into the year. Diego Pavia was recently named the starting quarterback, and will be the focal point of the new Commodores offense.

These are big games for both of these teams for the fact that a loss this early could mean a bad rest of the season. If Vanderbilt loses this game, they could realistically end the season with only two wins. If Virginia Tech loses this game, it's a really bad start for the Hokies, and could mean the team is worse than expected heading into the year.

This game could be huge for the Hokies though, especially if they start this game fast. Vanderbilt's defense was one of the worst in the country in rush defense and in pass defense, and Kyron Drones brings the pain in both of those categories. Drones is expected to have a big game in Nashville. He's had a full season getting starting reps under a offensive line which will include Layth Ghannam, starting his first game with the Hokies.

Be sure to follow along here for live updates, stats, and highlights from today's big game in Nashville!

Pre-Game

Linebacker Will Johnson, safety Mose Phillips, and wide receiver Stephen Gosnell will be Virginia Tech's flag bearers in week one.

No surprises here, wide receiver and returner standout Tucker Holloway will not dress for today's game against Vanderbilt. Tucker had suffered a right knee injury during spring camp, and his 2024 season is in question for the Hokies.

Tight end Nick Gallo will not play in today's game against Vanderbilt.

Everyone on College GameDay with the exception of Lee Corso picked Virginia Tech to beat Vanderbilt.

1st Quarter

Hokies win the toss, defer, and Kyle Lowe's kickoff starts off the Virginia Tech season.

Quincy Skinner reels in a 31-yard pass from Diego Pavia, landing the Commodores on the 33-yard line in Hokies' territory.

Vanderbilt's Brock Taylor sends the ball through the uprights as the Commodores take the lead, 3-0. Virginia Tech set to return.

Kyron Drones' pass is tipped and intercepted by 340-pound Glenn Seabrooks III. Vanderbilt takes over at the Virginia Tech 27-yard line.

End of the first quarter, Vanderbilt still leads 3-0.

2nd Quarter

Diego Pavia finds Quincy Skinner for a touchdown in the corner of the end-zone. The extra point is good, Vanderbilt up 10-0.

Sedrick Alexander paves his way through Virginia Tech's defense, Vanderbilt is dominating Virginia Tech on offense. Vanderbilt 17-0.

Two scary passes for Kyron Drones, one pass tipped and almost intercepted, the next one thrown straight to a Vanderbilt defender which was dropped.

Two minutes left in the half, Virginia Tech is driving at the Vanderbilt 30-yard line.

John Love 40-yard kick is good, Virginia Tech is on the board. Vanderbilt will receive with 52 seconds left in the half. Vanderbilt 17-3.

Antwaun Powell-Ryland sacks Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and forces them to punt before the end of the quarter.

3rd Quarter

Virginia Tech takes the kickoff to the 17-yard line to start the half.

Jaylin Lane gets open across the middle for a 26-yard catch over the middle, Virginia Tech's third play of 10 yards or more.

Play-action pass works to perfection, Ali Jennings gets open and Virginia Tech advances the ball to the Vanderbilt 24-yard line.

Touchdown Hokies! The offense looks much better than the entire first half, Bhayshul Tuten runs it in for a 24-yard touchdown. Vanderbilt still leads 17-10.

Josh Fuga tips a pass and Mansoor Delane jumps for the interception, but can't hold on to the ball as Vanderbilt continues to drive.

Brock Taylor boots a 53-yarder through the uprights. Vanderbilt 20-10.

Kyron Drones with a great pass to Benji Gosnell to advance into the red-zone, Virginia Tech first down at the 13-yard line.

John Love gives the Hokies three more points, Hokies down by a touchdown. Vanderbilt 20-13.

Vanderbilt has the ball to end the third quarter, the Commodores remain ahead 20-13.

4th Quarter

Virginia Tech forces a three-and-out to start the fourth quarter, Ali Jennings returns the ball to the 24-yard line.

Kyron Drones completes a pass deep to Stephen Gosnell, holding called on the defense, flag will be declined, Virginia Tech on the 10-yard line.

Screen pass from Kyron Drones to Bhayshul Tuten for the touchdown, John Love boots the extra point, tie-ballgame 20-20.

Vanderbilt defensive coverage is busted and Ali Jennings is wide open for a 62-yard touchdown! The first lead of the day for Virginia Tech and Jennings celebrates in the endzone! Virginia Tech 27-20.

Another touchdown for Sedrick Alexander, play is reviewed and the call stands, Vanderbilt ties it up 27-27.

Virginia Tech goes three-and-out and Kyron Drones is laying face-down on the field after a non-contact injury. Medical staff attends to Drones as the Hokies face fourth down.

Vanderbilt returns the ball to the Commodores' 48-yard line and will take over with 1:24 remaining in the quarter.

Scary injury for the Hokies. Virginia Tech linebacker Will Johnson is carted off the field.

Diego Pavia scrambles and now the Commodores enter the field-goal target-area with less than twenty seconds to go.

Brock Taylor's kick is wide! The Hokies and the Commodores are headed to overtime in Nashville!

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RJ Schafer

RJ SCHAFER

RJ Schafer joined the On SI team in 2024, contributing to the coverage of Major League Baseball, Collegiate Basketball, and Collegiate Football at https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/. Prior to this, RJ built a strong portfolio covering Georgia Tech and the Tigers for the Bleav Network. With a solid background in sports journalism, RJ has conducted interviews with both collegiate and professional athletes, enhancing the depth and authenticity of his reporting. RJ's extensive experience in the sports industry has equipped him with a keen understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of both collegiate and professional sports. His work is focused on providing insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage, making him a trusted voice in the sports community.

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