Virginia Tech defeated Maryland 35-26 on Saturday behind quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who struck early when he connected with Luke Reynolds on a 14-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to give the Hokies a lead they would never relinquish.
Grunkemeyer finished 31 of 39 for 314 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, posting a 95.7 QBR. Reynolds led all receivers with 12 catches for 107 yards and a score, while Jeffrey Overton Jr. added three receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown, including a 49-yard gain. Grunkemeyer also scored on the ground, adding a rushing touchdown to his ledger.
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington gave the Terrapins every opportunity to keep pace, completing 30 of 43 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Chris Durr Jr. was his primary target, hauling in 12 catches for 109 yards and two scores. Dorian Fleming added six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown, and Kaleb Webb contributed five catches for 98 yards. Iverson Howard added a rushing touchdown for Maryland, but the Terrapins were unable to overcome the Hokies' early advantage and consistent offensive production throughout.
Virginia Tech controlled the game from its opening possession, and Maryland's defense, led by linebacker Daniel Wingate's 12 tackles, could not generate enough stops to change the outcome.
Maryland drops to 35-26 on the day and will look to regroup when the Terrapins host UCLA on Saturday, September 26.