Virginia Tech defeats VMI 73-3 in the coaching debut of James Franklin
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:08 AM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Virginia Tech opened its season with a 73-3 victory over VMI on Saturday in Blacksburg, Virginia. The win marked the debut of head coach James Franklin, who was hired by the program following his tenure at Penn State. Virginia Tech scored on its first six possessions and totaled 619 yards of offense throughout the contest. Marcellous Hawkins Jr. provided three rushing touchdowns, while Jeffrey Overton Jr. added 108 rushing yards and two scores. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, a transfer from Penn State, completed 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The Virginia Tech defense held VMI to 83 total yards and the special teams unit blocked two punts. The Hokies host Old Dominion next Saturday, while VMI prepares to play Bucknell.
- •Virginia Tech defeated VMI 73-3 in the season opener.
- •Marcellous Hawkins Jr. recorded three rushing touchdowns in the victory.
- •Ethan Grunkemeyer passed for 224 yards and two scores in his Virginia Tech debut.
- •Virginia Tech accumulated 619 total yards while holding VMI to 83 yards.
- •The Hokies host Old Dominion next Saturday.
- 3:08 AMYahoo Sports — Hawkins, Overton carry Virginia Tech over VMI 73-3 in Franklin debut
"Marcellous Hawkins Jr. rushed for three touchdowns, and Jeffrey Overton Jr. rushed for 108 yards and two scores to lead Virginia Tech to a 73-3 victory over VMI on Saturday in the debut of Hokies’ head coach James Franklin. Franklin, who was fired last October by Penn State after 12 seasons and hired by Virginia Tech 36 days later, witnessed a dominating performance by the Hokies (1-0) in their opener. Virginia Tech’s offense scored on its first six possessions and punted just once during the game.
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