On a chilly December day, the Virginia Tech Hokies took to the field with determination and grit, ready to face off against the No. 23 ranked Tulane Green Wave in the highly anticipated Military Bowl. The stage was set for an intense battle between two formidable teams, and the Hokies did not disappoint their fans.
From the very beginning of the game, it was evident that Virginia Tech meant business. Their offense displayed exceptional coordination and precision, while their defense stood strong against Tulane's relentless attacks. Quarterback Braxton Burmeister led his team with confidence, making crucial passes and running plays that left Tulane's defense scrambling.
Tulane took advantage of a short field early in the second half and tied the game on a 6-yard scramble by Horton. But Drones broke loose for a 51-yard gain on the next drive, and Tuten's 9-yard scoring run put the Hokies up 24-17.
Virginia Tech fumbled its first possession of the second half and Tulane made it pay with a three-play, 17-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Kai Horton ran it in from 6 yards out to tie the score at 17.
Much like he’s done all season since being named the starting quarterback, Drones responded. The redshirt sophomore immediately led a 14-play drive that ended with a field goal, keeping his team in the game and morale up on the sideline. The drive was highlighted by a Drones 17-yard run to convert a fourth down.
“That type of resiliency, that’s been me my whole life.” Drones said. “I knew I had to do that because we still had a long game to go.”
Jaylin Lane lost a fumble in the first minute of the second half, and Tulane took advantage of that short field, tying the game on a 6-yard scramble by Horton. But Drones broke loose for a 51-yard gain on the next drive, and Tuten's 9-yard scoring run put the Hokies up 24-17.
“We've been strong against the run all year. I think when you add the quarterback into it, that gives it a little bit different element,” said Slade Nagle, who was Tulane's interim coach after Willie Fritz left to take the job at Houston earlier this month. “He's a dynamic player that had a huge impact on the game.”
Drones threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Benji Gosnell early in the fourth, and after Tulane lost its third fumble of the day, Tuten scored on a 12-yard run to make it 41-20.
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