Orange Effect Game Recap: Wake Forest Edges Virginia Tech in a Thriller

Former USA TOP 100 camp MVP WR Ayden Greene. Photo Credit : Hokies Football

By Erin Reid | USA Top 100 Sports

In a high-energy Orange Effect matchup, Wake Forest held off a resilient Virginia Tech squad, securing a hard-fought 27–23 victory in front of an electric crowd at Lane Stadium.

The game opened with early drama as Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones threw an interception on the opening drive, giving Wake Forest immediate momentum. The Demon Deacons capitalized by marching into the red zone, but Virginia Tech’s defense held firm, forcing a field goal to make it 3–0.

Virginia Tech responded with a strong drive of their own, capped off by running back #27, who punched it in for a touchdown after multiple goal-line attempts with Drones under center, putting the Hokies up 7–3.

Wake Forest quarterback Robby Ashford faced pressure throughout the first half, highlighted by a crushing hit from Hokies defender #22, which seemed to rattle his pocket presence. Despite the adversity, Wake’s all-time touchdown leader #1 Desmond Claiborne found the end zone to reclaim the lead, 10–7.

Hokies running back #8 Terrion Stewart sparked the Virginia Tech offense on the ground, helping set up great field position. That momentum led to Drones connecting with redshirt sophomore #2 Takye Heath for a touchdown, giving Tech a 14–10 advantage.

Wake quickly countered as #0 Ty Clark scored to make it 17–14, and Ashford later found #84 Eni Falayi for a crucial touchdown with two minutes left in the half, extending Wake Forest’s lead to 24–14.

Virginia Tech kicker John Love kept the Hokies within striking distance, drilling field goals from 32, 38, and 34 yards to chip away at the deficit. Wake’s Connor Calvert answered with a 29-yard field goal of his own to make it 27–20.

Despite the Hokies’ late push, Wake Forest’s defense stood tall in the final minutes, sealing the 27–23 win.

With the victory, Wake Forest showcased its offensive balance and defensive composure in key moments, while Virginia Tech’s inconsistency in the red zone proved costly.

Final Score: Wake Forest 27, Virginia Tech 23