The Duke Blue Devils (7-3) will host the Virginia Tech Hokies (5-5) for the final home football game of the season this Saturday, and the fans in Durham should pay close attention to the status of several key players on the opposing team. The Hokies, who are looking to finish their season strong, have some notable injuries that could impact their performance.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry provided an update on Tuesday regarding the status of three crucial players for the Hokies: quarterback Kyron Drones, running back Bhayshul Tuten, and running back Malachi Thomas. All three are currently listed as questionable for the upcoming game against Duke, which could significantly affect the Hokies’ game plan.
Kyron Drones has been a vital component of Virginia Tech’s offense this season. As the starting quarterback, he has thrown for 1,562 yards, completing 60.7% of his passes. Drones has also averaged 7.0 yards per attempt and has thrown 10 touchdown passes. In addition to his passing success, Drones has been a dual-threat, contributing 336 rushing yards and adding six more touchdowns with his legs.
If Drones is unable to play or is limited in any way, it would be a major blow to Virginia Tech’s offense. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground has made him a versatile and dangerous quarterback for opposing defenses. The Hokies would likely need to rely more heavily on their running game if Drones is unavailable, which brings attention to the status of Bhayshul Tuten.
Tuten is arguably the most significant injury concern for Virginia Tech heading into Saturday’s game. The running back has been a standout performer this season, rushing for 951 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns through the team’s first eight games. He had an impressive 266-yard performance against Boston College earlier in the season, which showcased his ability to break big runs and carry the offense.
If Tuten is unable to play at full strength or is unavailable altogether, Virginia Tech will face a difficult challenge in establishing its running game. Tuten has been the primary offensive weapon for the Hokies, and his absence would leave a large void that would be tough to fill. His ability to break tackles and pick up yards after contact has made him one of the top running backs in the ACC.
Tuten and Drones both missed Virginia Tech’s road game against Syracuse on November 2, which ended in a 38-31 overtime loss for the Hokies. Their absence was noticeable, and the Hokies struggled to find offensive rhythm without their star players. If either or both are unavailable again this Saturday, Virginia Tech could face similar struggles against a strong Duke defense.
Malachi Thomas, another running back for Virginia Tech, also remains questionable for the game. Thomas has been an important secondary option in the Hokies’ backfield, rushing for 160 yards on the season. His status becomes even more important if Tuten is unable to carry a large percentage of the workload. In the absence of Tuten and Drones, Thomas would likely see a more prominent role in the offense.
Thomas showed he could step up when needed, as he picked up 73 yards and scored a touchdown against Syracuse. If Tuten is unavailable, Thomas could become the focal point of the Hokies’ running attack. However, without the explosive plays from Tuten, it would be difficult for Virginia Tech to replicate the same level of offensive success they’ve had earlier in the season.
For the Hokies, the status of Drones, Tuten, and Thomas is crucial for their chances of competing against Duke. The Blue Devils have had a solid season, and Virginia Tech will need all its key players healthy and available to have a chance at pulling off a road win in Durham. The Hokies will also need to find ways to limit mistakes and execute effectively on both sides of the ball.
Duke, at 7-3, will be looking to close out its regular season with a strong performance at home. The Blue Devils have been competitive in the ACC this year and will be eager to take advantage of a Virginia Tech team that may be missing key pieces. Duke’s defense will likely focus on limiting the running game and forcing Virginia Tech to rely on its passing attack.
The Hokies’ offense could be in for a difficult matchup if Drones and Tuten are both unavailable. In that scenario, Virginia Tech would likely need to get creative in its offensive game plan, relying on backup players and adjusting to Duke’s defensive schemes. However, without their top weapons, the Hokies’ margin for error will be slim.
Virginia Tech’s coaching staff will also need to adjust their defensive strategies. With a potentially diminished offense, the Hokies will need to limit Duke’s scoring opportunities and keep the game within reach. The defensive unit will be under pressure to step up, especially if the offense struggles to find consistency without key players.
Injuries have been a significant theme for Virginia Tech this season, and Saturday’s game will be a critical test of the Hokies’ depth and resilience. Regardless of who plays, Virginia Tech will need to come together as a team to compete against a Duke squad that is looking to finish the season strong.
Ultimately, the availability of Kyron Drones, Bhayshul Tuten, and Malachi Thomas will play a major role in determining the outcome of Saturday’s game. Virginia Tech’s chances of winning in Durham will be much greater if these key players are able to perform at their usual level. However, if they are limited or unable to play, the Hokies will face an uphill battle against the Blue Devils.
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