Virginia Tech was without quarterback Kyron Drones yesterday as well as star running back Bhayshul Tuten, but they managed to take a 21-3 lead against Syracuse on the road. However, the Hokies collapsed midway through the third quarter and ended up losing in overtime. The loss effectively ends the Hokies’ slim hope of advancing to the ACC Championship and they now have to host Clemson at home. The Tigers are coming off a surprising double-digit loss to Louisville and are now on the outside of the ACC race, although they are in a better position than Virginia Tech.

When the lines opened today at Fanduel sports bettingVirginia Tech was a 6.5-point underdog at home. The total opened at 54.5.

The big problem in this game will be the health of the Drones and Tuten. If both play, it’s not out of the question that Virginia Tech could upset Clemson and pull out a victory. If they were both to be out again, it’s hard to see the Hokies having much of a chance against the Tigers.

Our own RJ Schafer broke down the game yesterday:

The Hokies were close to winning their fourth straight game and clinching bowl eligibility, but fell short after blowing a big lead. At one point in the game, the win by ESPN Analytics probably gave Virginia Tech a 95.9% chance of winning the game, but the Hokies didn’t take advantage.

Granted, Virginia Tech was without star quarterback Kyron Drones in this game, but Collin Schlee looked more than serviceable and the Hokies took a 21-3 lead. From that point in the game, Syracuse scored 21 unanswered points on two explosive touchdowns from Justus Ross-Simmons, a receiver who hadn’t caught a pass all year before the game.

There were plenty of missed opportunities, broken plays and dropped passes all day for the Hokies as the Hokies ironically let the game fall into their hands.

A new week, however, brings a new challenge. The Hokies have a chance to beat No. 11 Clemson at Lane Stadium in front of a packed house. »

Additional links:

Virginia Tech Football: Kickoff time set for Hokies’ game with Clemson next week

The Briefing: Drones and Tuten injured, substitutes play leading role, Hokies drop thriller 38-31 in overtime

Virginia Tech Football: 5 takeaways from Virginia Tech’s loss to Syracuse