Hawkins, Overton Carry Virginia Tech over VMI 73-3 in Franklin Debut
James Franklin’s debut featured 619 total yards and two blocked punts as Virginia Tech scored 10 touchdowns.
- On Saturday, Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin enjoyed a dominant debut as the Hokies defeated VMI 73-3 at Lane Stadium in his first game leading the program.
- Hired last November after Penn State fired him in October 2025, Franklin joined Virginia Tech to rebuild a program with only one winning season in the past six years.
- Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 224 yards and two scores, while running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns as the Hokies finished with 619 total yards.
- Fans expressed optimism about the cultural shift, with Cam McLaughlin of Blacksburg saying, "Coach Franklin, I think he's going to make some big changes here." The sentiment reflected broader excitement among supporters.
- Virginia Tech faces Old Dominion on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 12 p.m. ET on the ACC Network, with Franklin prioritizing player health amid the demanding schedule ahead.
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fredericksburg.com
The News Virginian3 takeaways from James Franklin’s debut win at Virginia Tech
The Hokies played like every small detail was important. And when one of those details seemingly went unfinished, it was corrected almost immediately.
James Franklin accused referees of giving Virginia Tech an 'un-American' penalty
James Franklin won his debut as Virginia Tech head coach in convincing fashion on Saturday, but he had a fairly unusual complaint about a flag his team drew during the second half. Hokies running back Marcellous Hawkins received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when he high-fived several VMI cadets during Virginia Tech’s 73-3 victory. Hawkins had …
The Tribune-Democrat
Virginia Tech 73, VMI 3
KMJ-AF1
thesportsleader.comVirginia Tech begins James Franklin’s tenure with demolition of VMI
Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for a pair of touchdowns in just over a half of work and Jeffery Overton Jr. rushed for 104 yards and two TDs on just nine carries as Virginia Tech lambasted VMI 73-3 on Saturday in Blacksburg, Va, in the Hokies' season opener and first game under new coach James Franklin.Grunkemeyer finished 17-of-20 passing for 224 yards, Marcellous Hawkins Jr. added 69 rushing yards and three scores and Que'Sean Brown had six reception…
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