Old Dominion vs Virginia Tech game
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Virginia Tech hosts Old Dominion Saturday at Lane Stadium, with Tech an 18.5-point favorite.
The Hokies seek payback for last season's 45-26 upset loss to ODU in Blacksburg.
Background
Virginia Tech opened 2026 with a 73-3 win over VMI, while Old Dominion beat Norfolk State 31-10. Last September, ODU stunned the Hokies 45-26 in Blacksburg — a game that was Brent Pry's last as head coach and helped reshape the program. Virginia Tech now plays under new head coach James Franklin, who has prior coaching ties to ODU head coach Ricky Rahne from their time at Penn State. Virginia Tech leads the all-time series 4-3, but ODU has won three meetings, including a 20-17 upset in 2022.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Virginia Tech opens the season with a 73-3 win over VMI, securing the Governor's Sword.
- Sep 5, 2026Old Dominion opens with a 31-10 win over Norfolk State at home.
- Sep 8, 2026Both athletic departments publish game previews for the Sept. 12 matchup at Lane Stadium.
- Sep 11, 2026Preview and prediction pieces list Virginia Tech as an 18.5-point favorite, with analysts projecting a Hokies win.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Multiple outlets predict a Virginia Tech win, with score projections of 38-13 and 38-10, citing the Hokies' run game and ODU quarterback Henicle's passing struggles.
- Caution
- Preview coverage notes ODU has upset Virginia Tech three times, including last season's 45-26 win, and that six of seven prior meetings were decided by 14 points or more.
Still unverified
One preview notes a forecast of cloudy conditions with a chance of thunderstorms and highs in the mid-70s; another cites a 70% chance of heavy thunderstorms. Weather forecasts can change and are not confirmed game-time conditions.