The VMI Keydets opened their 2024 season in disastrous fashion, suffering a 73‑3 loss to Virginia Tech that dropped them to 0‑2 and gave the Hokies a 1‑0 start.
Game Highlights
Virginia Tech's offense was relentless, with running back Jeffrey Overton, Jr. charging for 104 yards and two touchdowns, while Marcellous Hawkins, Jr. added 69 yards and three scores, each contributing to the Hokies' early surge.
Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer orchestrated the attack with 224 passing yards and two touchdowns, and backup Bryce Baker contributed a 40‑yard strike that accounted for 127 yards and a score.
The Hokies struck first when Overton powered in from 50 yards in the first quarter, followed quickly by a 21‑yard touchdown run from Hawkins that pushed the lead to 21‑0. By halftime, Virginia Tech had extended the advantage to 45‑0 after blocking two punts and adding further touchdowns.
Additional scoring came from a 51‑yard reception by Que'Sean Brown, a 21‑yard pass to Luke Reynolds, and a 40‑yard catch by Baker, while A.J. Brand capped the onslaught with a one‑yard rush in the fourth quarter.
VMI finally got on the board when kicker Jack Joyce converted a 50‑yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, but the points were merely a consolation in a 73‑3 defeat that left the Keydets winless.
Looking ahead, the Keydets are scheduled to host Bucknell at Foster Stadium in 2026, a home opener that offers a chance to reverse their early‑season fortunes.