Overton’s 76-yard touchdown completes Virginia Tech comeback at Boston College, 21–14

Jeffrey Overton Jr. turned a tied game into Virginia Tech’s fourth straight victory with a 76-yard touchdown run Saturday, September 26, lifting the Hokies past Boston College 21–14 at a rainy Alumni Stadium.

Virginia Tech erased a 14–6 fourth-quarter deficit to win its ACC opener and improve to 4–0 overall and 1–0 in conference play. Boston College fell to 2–2 and 0–1. The Hokies are 4–0 for the first time since 2017.

The comeback began with an 80-yard drive. Ethan Grunkemeyer found Marlion Jackson for a 14-yard touchdown with 8:05 remaining, and Overton ran in the two-point conversion to pull Virginia Tech even. Jackson’s touchdown catch was his first as a Hokie.

After the defense forced a punt, Overton broke free down the right side on Virginia Tech’s next offensive snap. His 76-yard score with 4:58 left gave the Hokies the lead, and John Love’s extra point made it 21–14.

Overton finished with 209 rushing yards on 25 carries. Virginia Tech gained 223 yards on the ground and outgained Boston College 370–261 overall. Grunkemeyer threw for 147 yards, while Que’Sean Brown led the Hokies with 51 receiving yards.

Hawkins started but finished with 19 yards on 10 carries. His last carry was a third-quarter fumble that Boston College recovered with 7:56 remaining. Overton handled every subsequent running back carry, including six on the final possession.

“Jeff’s got the ability to make guys miss,” Franklin said after the game. He credited aggressive throws with helping loosen the defense and praised the offensive line and tight ends for their blocking. Of Overton’s touchdown, Franklin said it was a “big-time play at a critical moment.”

For much of the afternoon, touchdowns were hard to find. Love’s 45-yard field goal with 16 seconds left in the second quarter supplied the only points of the first half. His 22-yard kick early in the third quarter extended Virginia Tech’s lead to 6–0.

Boston College quarterback Mason McKenzie answered with touchdown runs of five and two yards. The second, with 11:09 left in the fourth quarter, put the Eagles eight points ahead. McKenzie finished with 138 rushing yards and 111 passing yards.

The Hokies held Boston College to two conversions on 13 third-down attempts. After Overton’s go-ahead touchdown, Virginia Tech forced another punt and kept possession for the final 3:25 to close out the win.

Virginia Tech returns to Lane Stadium to host Pitt on Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. Eastern.