Blacksburg, Virginia, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off a remarkable 44-20 comeback victory against the Virginia Tech Hokies after trailing 20-10 at halftime. A dominant second half saw Vanderbilt score 34 unanswered points, showcasing both offensive prowess and defensive resilience. Quarterback Diego Pavia and running back Sedrick Alexander played pivotal roles as the Commodores dominated the field, accumulating 490 total yards against Virginia Tech’s 248. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Vanderbilt as they seek to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Blacksburg, Virginia
The Vanderbilt Commodores staged a remarkable comeback, defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies 44-20 in a game characterized by a stunning second-half performance. Trailing 20-10 at halftime, the Commodores scored 34 unanswered points after the break, showcasing their dominance both offensively and defensively.
This victory marks Vanderbilt’s best performance since their thrilling upset over No. 1 Alabama last season. With a stellar showing in the second half, the Commodores outperformed the Hokies, shutting them out and limiting them to just 21 total yards of offense, all through the air.
Offensive Highlights
Vanderbilt’s offensive line played a critical role in the win, opening up crucial running lanes that led to a dominant rushing game. The Commodores achieved a total of 490 yards of offense, nearly doubling the 248 yards recorded by Virginia Tech. Vanderbilt averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry on 37 rushing attempts, accumulating a total of 262 rushing yards.
Quarterback Diego Pavia was instrumental in the victory, completing 12 of 18 passes for 193 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Sedrick Alexander stood out with 10 carries for 73 yards and two touchdowns, while Makhilyn Young also made a significant impact, contributing 95 yards on just eight carries, including one touchdown.
Additionally, Tre Richardson made notable contributions with three receptions for 54 yards, netting a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown catch. In the closing minutes, backup quarterback Blaze Berlowitz added to the score by throwing a touchdown pass as well.
Defensive Performance
The Commodores’ defense was equally impressive, effectively shutting out the Hokies in the second half. Virginia Tech, which began the game strong, faltered as they managed to convert only one of their last eight third-down attempts. Vanderbilt’s defense showcased their resilience, providing a solid effort against the offensive strategies of Virginia Tech.
Vanderbilt’s success was not just on individual performances but also came as a result of team coordination and effective gameplay adjustments made during halftime. The Commodores capitalized on their opportunities efficiently, going 5-for-5 in the red zone and scoring a touchdown on every possession in the second half.
Game Context and Attendance
The game took place at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, where a sold-out crowd witnessed the intense matchup. This win could prove crucial for Vanderbilt as they look to build momentum for the remainder of the season after a challenging start.
Key Stats Summary
- Final Score: Vanderbilt 44, Virginia Tech 20
- Halftime Score: Virginia Tech 20, Vanderbilt 10
- Total Offense: Vanderbilt 490 yards, Virginia Tech 248 yards
- Rushing Yards: Vanderbilt 262 yards (7.1 yards per carry), Virginia Tech < 50 yards
- Quarterback Stats: Diego Pavia 12/18, 193 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- Touchdowns: Sedrick Alexander (2), Makhilyn Young (1), Tre Richardson (1), Blaze Berlowitz (1)
- Red Zone Efficiency: Vanderbilt 5-for-5
FAQs
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Vanderbilt 44, Virginia Tech 20 |
| Halftime Score | Virginia Tech 20, Vanderbilt 10 |
| Total Offense | Vanderbilt 490 yards, Virginia Tech 248 yards |
| Rushing Yards | Vanderbilt 262 yards |
| Quarterback Stats | Diego Pavia: 12/18, 193 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| Touchdowns | Sedrick Alexander (2), Makhilyn Young (1), Tre Richardson (1), Blaze Berlowitz (1) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | Vanderbilt 5-for-5 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Commodores Official Site
- Anchor of Gold
- Virginia Tech Hokies Official Site
- Fox Sports
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt Commodores Football
Author: HERE Nashville
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