In a thrilling season opener, Vanderbilt University pulled off an extraordinary upset, defeating Virginia Tech 34-27 in overtime. The Hokies were left reeling after backup quarterback Collin Schlee's last-ditch pass sailed incomplete, sealing their embarrassing loss.

Virginia Tech struggled to find their footing early in the game, allowing Vanderbilt to jump to a commanding 17-0 lead in the first half. However, the Hokies displayed resilience, mounting a comeback and taking a 27-20 lead in the fourth quarter with a spectacular 62-yard touchdown pass from Kyron Drones to Ali Jennings.

Nevertheless, Vanderbilt refused to back down. With just 1:51 left on the clock, quarterback Diego Pavia connected with Sedrick Alexander for an 8-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 27-27. As time expired in regulation, the Commodores had a chance to snatch victory, but Brock Taylor's 42-yard field goal attempt sailed wide-right, forcing overtime.

The Commodores wasted no time capitalizing on the opportunity. Pavia, who had an impressive game, rushed for 104 yards and plunged into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown, giving Vanderbilt a crucial 34-27 advantage in overtime.

With starting quarterback Drones battling cramps, backup Collin Schlee took the helm for the Hokies in their overtime possession. Schlee showcased his agility with a 14-yard run, but the offense failed to convert on subsequent plays. On a crucial fourth-and-11 from the 13-yard line, Schlee's desperate pass sailed high and out of the back of the end zone, securing Vanderbilt's improbable upset victory.

Diego Pavia emerged as a standout performer for the Commodores, accounting for an impressive 294 yards and three touchdowns. This victory marked Vanderbilt's first triumph over a power-conference opponent since 2022, and their first win against a Power 4 or 5 non-conference opponent since 2017 when they triumphed over Kansas State.

Despite a valiant effort by Drones, who threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns, the Hokies struggled to find success on the ground, amassing only 75 rushing yards on 30 carries. The loss further extended Virginia Tech's unfortunate streak of ten straight non-conference defeats against Power 4 or 5 teams, dating back to 2017.

Vanderbilt's domination was evident in the first half, outgaining the Hokies 165-86 and controlling the clock with a nearly 2:1 advantage in time of possession. They set the tone early with a 43-yard field goal by Brock Taylor on the opening drive.

The Commodores took advantage of an interception by defensive tackle Glenn Seabrooks III to secure prime field position, resulting in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Skinner in the end zone. They extended their lead to 17-0 with a 7-yard touchdown run by Alexander.

Virginia Tech managed to chip away at the deficit before halftime with a 40-yard field goal by John Love, making it 17-3. The Hokies then launched a spirited comeback in the second half, highlighted by a 24-yard touchdown run by Bhayshul Tuten and a well-executed screen pass from Drones to Tuten for an 11-yard score, ultimately tying the game at 20-20.

The Hokies surged ahead with a spectacular 62-yard connection between Drones and Jennings, securing a 27-20 lead. However, Vanderbilt's resilience ultimately prevailed, with Pavia finding Alexander for an 8-yard touchdown pass to equalize.

Despite missing a potential game-winning field goal at the end of regulation, Vanderbilt proved relentless in overtime, securing a hard-fought victory over Virginia Tech in a game that exceeded expectations.

This nail-biting contest serves as a reminder that on any given day, the underdog can rise up and challenge even the most formidable opponents, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blows.