Virginia Tech's first performance of the James Franklin era didn't just result in one of the largest wins in program history. According to Pro Football Focus, it was the best team performance in the country during Week 1.
PFF College released its highest-graded team performances from the opening week on Tuesday, with Virginia Tech sitting atop the rankings with a 96.0 overall grade.
The Hokies edged Georgia, which finished second at 95.1, followed by Kansas at 94.8, BYU at 94.7 and Kansas State at 94.4. Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, South Carolina and UCF rounded out PFF's top 10.
Virginia Tech's spot atop the rankings comes after the Hokies dismantled VMI 73-3 on Saturday night at Lane Stadium in Franklin's debut as head coach. It marked Virginia Tech's first time scoring at least 70 points since a 77-27 victory over Akron in 1995.
The Hokies dominated in essentially every phase.
Virginia Tech out-gained VMI 619-83, averaging 8.6 yards per play while limiting the Keydets to less than one yard per play. The Hokies finished with 351 passing yards and 268 rushing yards, while VMI was held to minus-four yards on the ground.
Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer was at the center of the offensive success in his Virginia Tech debut. The Penn State transfer completed 17-of-20 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yard scoring strike to Que'Sean Brown. Grunkemeyer completed 10 of his first 11 attempts and finished with an 85% completion rate.
The rushing attack was equally productive. Jeffrey Overton Jr. eclipsed 100 yards and scored twice, while Marcellous Hawkins Jr. added 69 yards and three touchdowns. Virginia Tech finished with five rushing scores as a team.
Defensively, the disparity was even more pronounced. Virginia Tech recorded five sacks and 16 tackles for loss while allowing just six first downs. VMI converted only two of its 17 third-down attempts. Special teams also contributed two blocked punts, including one recovered by Knahlij Harrell for a touchdown.
There were still areas Franklin wasn't satisfied with, most notably Virginia Tech's 11 penalties for 93 yards, but PFF's grade further illustrates just how complete the Hokies' opening performance was.
The competition will increase quickly from here, but Virginia Tech did just about everything it could against an overmatched opponent.
Now, the Hokies have a number to back it up.
96.0 — the highest PFF team grade in the country through Week 1.
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