Virginia Tech defense stars in win at Stanford

Kyron Drones threw for two touchdowns and rushed for a third, the Virginia Tech defense forced two turnovers that were turned into scores, and the Hokies celebrated a rare trip to California with a 31-7 Atlantic Coast Conference football victory over host Stanford.

Drones completed 14 of his 19 passes for 201 yards without an interception, while Bhayshul Tuten rushed for a game-high 73 yards and a score, propelling Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1) to a bounce-back victory after a controversial loss to Miami last week.

Justin Lamson, subbing for injured Ashton Daniels, threw for 103 yards on 24 attempts for Stanford (2-3, 1-2), which lost its second straight ACC game.

After a defense-dominated first half that ended with Virginia Tech up 14-0, the Hokies took command when it needed just four plays to navigate 75 yards to open the third period. Drones connected with Da'Quan Felton at both ends of the four-play sequence, moving the chains with a 17-yard completion before combining for a 55-yard touchdown.

Felton was the game's top receiver with four catches for 84 yards.

When running back Micah Ford threw 19 yards to Elic Ayomanor for a touchdown late in the third, Stanford got within 21-7.

After a Virginia Tech punt, the Cardinal had a chance to further cut into the deficit, but Keonta Jenkins swiped a Lamson pass, returned it 13 yards to the Stanford 35, and set up a clinching 2-yard TD run by Drones.

John Love completed the scoring with a 46-yard field goal with 2:33 remaining.

The only turnover of the first half went a long way to creating the visitors' 14-point halftime margin.

After a Stanford missed field goal, the Hokies drove 65 yards in seven plays on their first possession, with Stephen Gosnell getting the game's first touchdown on a 9-yard pass from Drones.

Stanford then methodically went 47 yards on 11 plays when it got the ball back. But on second down at the Virginia Tech 2, Lamson fumbled, giving the visitors possession after Antwaun Powell-Ryland recovered.

After an exchange of punts, the Hokies took their 14-0 halftime lead on a 7-yard run by Tuten.

--Field Level Media