HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Virginia Tech football’s worst non-conference showing since 1992 is mercifully over.
The Hokies dropped their third straight game, falling 24-17 to Marshall at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on Saturday. It’s the first time Tech (1-3) has lost more than two non-conference games in a season in 31 years.
Rasheen Ali ran for 174 yards and two touchdowns to lead Marshall (3-0). It was part of a 214-yard rushing effort by the Thundering Herd, who became the third team to top 200 yards on the ground against the Hokies this season.
Prior to Saturday, Marshall last beat Virginia Tech in 1940, with six straight losses once the series resumed in 2002 following a long hiatus.
Marshall scored 17 straight points after falling behind 10-7. Ali gave the Thundering Herd a 14-10 lead in the second quarter on a 56-yard touchdown run up the middle. It added a field goal to make it 17-10 at halftime after Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones lost a fumble.
Marshall broke the game open during a critical juncture in the third quarter. The Hokies had the Herd backed up in a third-and-six on the six when Fancher lofted an underthrown pass downfield that safety Mansoor Delane dropped. Cornerback Dorian Strong was flagged for interference, however, giving Marshall a first down.
Ali ripped off a 61-yard run up the left side on the next snap. A few plays later, he scored on a 1-yard run to make it 24-10 with 7:22 left in the third quarter.
The Virginia Tech offense, which went quiet after a strong start, finally responded after seven straight empty drives, getting a 16-yard touchdown run from Drones to pull within 24-17 with 7:14 remaining.
The Hokies had one last-ditch drive to tie it, getting a clutch pass by on fourth-and-three from their own 26 when Drones bought time and dumped off a pass under pressure to running back Bhayshul Tuten for a 19-yard gain.
Two completions to tight end Benji Gosnell later, Tech was threatening in Marshall territory. On fourth-and-one, though, right guard Bob Schick had a false start. Drones’ fourth-and-six pass across the middle was knocked away, securing the Herd's win.
Drones finished 19-for-35 for 160 yards, with 75 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The Hokies ran it well for a change, with Tuten running for 88 yards and Tech breaking four runs of 20 or more yards.
Box Score: Marshall 24, Virginia Tech 17