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Hendon Hooker, Chamarri Conner are the Hokies of the Game Against Boston College

Chamarri Conner 1
Photo Credit: Harley Taylor

Virginia Tech bounced back in a big way last night with a comfortable 40-14 victory over Boston College led by another dominant rushing performance and an opportunistic defense that forced 5 turnovers. There were plenty of standouts but two Hokies stood out from the rest to earn this week's Hokies of the Game honors.

Offensive Hokie of the Game: Hendon Hooker

For the first time this season, Khalil Herbert is not our Offensive Hokie of the Game because while Herbert had another big game, star QB Hendon Hooker was even better.

In his first start of the season, Hooker put on a show especially as a runner as he had 164 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs on 18 carries while also going 11-15 as a passer for 111 yards and 1 touchdown. Hooker ran Tech's offense impressively well consistently making very good decision especially on read options while making some great escapes out of the pocket to turn sacks into solid gains.

Tech's offense just runs much more efficiently and effectively with Hooker at the helm while the vertical passing threat he brings prevents teams from being able to load the box.

Hooker is clearly Tech's best QB with the Hokies' offense continuing to be among the best in America after their third 40+ point performance in four games with Hooker leading the charge.

Khalil Herbert had a very good game in his own right with 18 carries for 143 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry, plus a 29-yard touchdown reception off a screen. Raheem Blackshear also had 3 carries for 33 yards including a 28-yard touchdown run plus a 9-yard reception while Tayvion Robinson had 2 catches for 29 yards and a 12-yard carry.

Defensive Hokie of the Game: Chamarri Conner

After being ejected in the first quarter at UNC last week, Chamarri Conner bounced back in a big way this past week.

Conner had a big game for the Hokies with a team high 11 tackles including 0.5 for loss while also forcing a fumble as the Hokies' nickelback was all over the field making plays. Of course, that may make you wonder what ifs about if he wasn't ejected in the first quarter against UNC, but there's no doubt that Tech's defense is much better with Conner on the field.

Conner was also solid in pass coverage matching up well in this game against Boston College's tight ends where his above-average DB size and physicality help a ton.

Conner emerged as one of Tech's best defensive playmakers in 2019, and he reminded us of why he could be an All-ACC guy in 2020.

Amare Barno shined while wearing the #25 jersey for the first time as he had 3 tackles, all of which were for loss including 0.5 sacks. Divine Deablo had a strong game in his return with 5 tackles including 1 for loss plus a forced fumble on the opening BC drive that proved crucial and a pass breakup. Devin Taylor was also quite good in his first career start at free safety with his first Hokies' interception along with 2 tackles and a pass breakup.

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