Virginia Tech football (5-6) faces significant pressure to defend Lane Stadium on Saturday night against the Virginia Cavaliers. A victory would secure some late-season redemption and coveted bragging rights. To achieve this, Hokies head coach Brent Pry will likely rely on an inexperienced redshirt freshman quarterback.
William “Pop” Watson III, who has attempted just 25 passes this season, is expected to start in place of the injured Collin Schlee, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Watson has recorded 146 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in limited action this year. While Schlee remains a game-time decision, it appears Watson will lead the Hokies in their high-stakes rivalry game.
Ordinarily, Pry’s staff might work to minimize Watson’s limitations, but the potential absence of star running back Bhayshul Tuten (1,035 rushing yards, 13 TDs) complicates the situation. If Tuten is unable to play, Watson could be thrust into a leading role in one of the team’s most critical games of the season.
Virginia Tech football aims to continue its dominance vs. Wahoos
Virginia Tech has endured a bruising ACC season, letting game after game slip away in what has been an underwhelming campaign. Yet, none of that will matter on Saturday night. In rivalry games like this, records and season performance take a back seat, as the spotlight shifts to one moment, one game, where the entire state’s focus zeroes in on Lane Stadium.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as both the Hokies and Cavaliers are fighting for a bowl game berth in the final week of the regular season. That added urgency only intensifies the already heated rivalry of the annual Commonwealth Clash. Virginia Tech has dominated this matchup, claiming the Cup in each of the last four years and 18 of the last 19, leaving the Blacksburg faithful expecting another triumph over their in-state rival.
The question now is whether the young Pop Watson can handle the immense pressure. Hokies fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET.
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