Photo Credit: ACC Media
There were plenty of standout performances for Virginia Tech in their dominant 33-15 victory against Virginia to reclaim the Commonwealth Cup. However, a pair of Hokies stood out the most
Offensive Hokie of the Game: Braxton Burmeister
Braxton Burmeister was somewhat of a surprise starter for Virginia Tech at QB but the former Oregon transfer had his best game of the season in as important of a game as any for Hokie fans.
Burmeister was 15-22 for 212 yards and a touchdown plus 7 carries for 36 yards as he played with great poise throughout the game. Even more than that, Burmeister was as sharp as he's been all season throwing the football on mid and long range passes, giving a vertical passing threat
While Hendon Hooker is still the likely long term QB for Virginia Tech, Burmeister put together his best game of the season and made it clear that there can be another legit competition for the starting job.
Khalil Herbert was also extremely impressive tonight with 20 carries for 162 yards and 1 touchdown including a pair of 35+ yard runs, one of which was his 76-yard TD run. Tayvion Robinson also had a big night with 5 catches for 98 yards including a 60-yard touchdown.
Tre Turner had 3 catches for 25 yards plus a 6-yard touchdown run while James Mitchell had 3 catches for 67 yards to counter balance his muffed punt. Brian Johnson had the best game of his career going 4-4 on field goals including three field goals made from 46, 47, and 47.
Defensive Hokie of the Game: Divine Deablo
Divine Deablo may have played his final game inside Lane Stadium and if he did, he went out in a big way against Virginia.
The senior safety put on an impressive performance with 6 tackles, 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups as he was all over the field making plays. Deablo played with an edge that showed on multiple hits and big plays he made while also having a strong night overall in coverage.
Deablo has been as good of a defensive player for the Hokies as any over the past couple of seasons with Tech's defense being significantly better when he's on the field. Tonight, Deablo likely boosted his draft stock and has done plenty this season to boost his stock into that day 2 range while going out bringing the Commonwealth Cup back to Blacksburg.
Amare Barno has continued to be a breakout star at defensive end with 6 tackles including 2 for loss, 1 of which was a sack plus a QB hurry. Dorian Strong had 5 tackles and 1 interception as he continues his impressive freshman season while Chamarri Conner had 5 tackles plus a pair of pass breakups.
Armani Chatman had his ups and downs but made a couple big plays and a had a sack plus a pass breakup. Rayshard Ashby had 5 tackles including a sack while Jarrod Hewitt had 4 tackles including a sack in what could be the final games of their Virginia Tech careers at Lane Stadium depending on whether they decide to utilize the extra year or not.
