The Virginia Tech Hokies survive again. Down 21 players and two coaches, including defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton due to COVID-19, the Hokies went to Durham and outlasted Duke 38-31.
It was an impressive effort by the Virginia Tech defense considering the Hokies were without their top four cornerbacks, starting safety Divine Deablo and his top backup, J.R. Walker and a host of other, including linebacker Alan Tisdale.
The Blue Devils had two impressive second-half drives, but outside of that an undermanned VT defense got to Duke quarterback Chase Brice seven times. Walk-on safety Tyler Matheny, who was forced into action at safety, was outstanding as he recorded six tackles, including three for loss and an interception.