Monica: Ethan Grunkemeyer throws two touchdowns, John Love kicks three field goals including a game-winner, and Virginia Tech steals a 20-16 victory on the road at Clemson. But here is the real question heading into SMU: who is actually going to carry the load when the starters get tired? Today we are breaking down the roster battles that will decide if the Hokies can hit nine wins this season.
Frank: It was a gritty win in South Carolina's backyard. The offense wasn't pretty, but it was efficient enough to survive Tait Reynolds and the Clemson defense. Now we turn our eyes to Dallas. The depth chart is shifting, and some names you might not expect are stepping up.
Monica: I am Monica, joined by Frank. Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network. If you are new here, you are in the right place for daily ACC football analysis. We have three big topics today. First, the quarterback room behind Grunkemeyer. Second, the running back committee and who is winning the touches. And third, the wide receiver depth chart after Que'Sean Brown’s breakout performance against Clemson.
Frank: And finally, we look at the offensive line rotation. You mentioned the prior predictions from yesterday—Benji Gosnell and Luke Reynolds as potential breakout candidates against SMU. Let’s see if the roster construction supports that or if we need more from the skill positions.
Monica: Let’s dive straight in. Segment One: The Quarterback Room. Ethan Grunkemeyer went 20-for-32 for 156 yards and two scores against Clemson. He managed the game perfectly. But with Bryce Baker and Troy Huhn on the roster, what is the hierarchy looking like for the SMU matchup?
Frank: Grunkemeyer is the clear starter. The numbers don’t lie. In a low-scoring defensive battle where Clemson held him to just over four yards per attempt, his decision-making was the difference. Bryce Baker is the backup, but he hasn’t seen meaningful snap time yet. Troy Huhn is more of a developmental piece right now.
Monica: So, if Grunkemeyer gets hit, does Baker step in? Or do we go to Huhn? Because SMU has a pass rush that can disrupt timing, you want someone who knows the system inside out.
Frank: Baker is the logical choice if Grunkemeyer goes down. He knows the playbook. Huhn is still learning. The coaching staff isn’t going to throw a rookie into a hostile environment in Dallas unless absolutely necessary. The battle here isn’t really about playing time; it’s about preparation. Who is ready to step in if the wheels fall off?
Monica: That’s a fair point. It’s about readiness. But let’s talk about the players who ARE playing. Que’Sean Brown had five receptions for 69 yards against Clemson. Tyler Brown had eight catches for 62 yards for the Tigers. That’s a lot of production from the second-tier receivers.
Frank: Que’Sean Brown is emerging. In that game, he was the primary red-zone target. Two of Grunkemeyer’s touchdowns went to Luke Reynolds, but Brown consistently moved the chains. Against SMU, they will likely try to take away the tight ends again. So Brown needs to be ready for more intermediate routes.
Monica: Luke Reynolds getting two TDs is huge. He scored on a six-yard pass and a five-yard pass. He’s clearly the security blanket in the end zone. But is he the only viable option besides Brown? What about Keylen Adams or Davion Brown?
Frank: Davion Brown has been there longer, but Keylen Adams has been making plays in practice. The depth chart shows L.J. Booker, A.J. Brand, Tyseer Denmark, Jeff Exinor Jr., Ayden Greene, Takye Heath, Drew Hube, Marlion Jackson, and Shamarius Peterkin all vying for snaps. It’s crowded. SMU’s secondary is aggressive, so possession receivers like Reynolds and Brown will be targeted.
Monica: Crowded indeed. It feels like the receiving corps is the most competitive group on the team right now. Everyone wants that role against SMU. Before we move to the running backs, I want to pause for a quick moment. This show is free every day because of listeners like you. Your support covers the research, the editing, and keeps the feed running. If you can chip in to help us keep delivering this daily content, please check the link in the episode description. Thank you for keeping the Hokie Nation connected.
Frank: Thanks, Monica. Let’s get into Segment Two: The Running Back Committee. Jeffrey Overton Jr. had ten carries for 26 yards against Clemson. That is less than three yards per carry. With Marlon Hawkins Jr., Bill Davis, John Buetow, Tyler Mason, and Messiah Mickens on the roster, who is actually going to break through against SMU?
Monica: Twenty-six yards on ten carries is tough to swallow. The offensive line struggled to create lanes. But looking at the roster, we have a lot of bodies. Is this a timeshare situation, or is one guy starting to pull ahead?
Frank: It’s definitely a timeshare, but the efficiency matters. Overton got the starts, but the yards didn’t follow. Marlon Hawkins Jr. has more explosiveness. Bill Davis has experience. John Buetow is a veteran presence. The coaching staff needs someone who can get first downs, not just yardage between the tackles.
Monica: So, who do you think gets the majority of touches in Dallas? SMU is known for their speed on defense. If you’re a slow runner, you’re going to get eaten alive.
Frank: I’d lean toward Marlon Hawkins Jr. for the change-of-pace role. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically. Overton is a power back, which is good for short-yardage, but against a fast SMU defense, you need someone who can make defenders miss. Tyler Mason and Messiah Mickens could also see action if the game script gets ugly.
Monica: That makes sense. Speed is key. But let’s talk about the offensive line. Kyle Altuner, Lucas Austin, Justin Bell, Marlen Bright, Maddox Cochrane, Gavin Crawford, Montavious Cunningham, Benjamin Eziuka, Johnny Garrett, Layth Ghannam, Elijah Haughawout, Logan Howland, Roseby Lubintus, Aidan Lynch, and Brody Meadows. That is a LOT of linemen. Who is locking down the spots?
Frank: It’s a deep unit, which is good for injuries, but bad for chemistry. Against Clemson, the protection was decent, but not dominant. Will Heldt had two sacks for Clemson. Jason Abbey had one for VT. The line needs to hold up better. I suspect the starting five are settled, but the rotation is critical. If they can’t protect Grunkemeyer, the passing game stalls.
Monica: Exactly. And if the line collapses, the running backs don’t have holes to run into. It’s all connected. You can’t separate the O-line from the RBs. They work together. If the OL struggles, the RBs struggle. Simple as that.
Frank: Agreed. And that brings us to the tight ends. Benji Gosnell, Ja’Ricous Hairston, Matt Henderson, and Brody Jones. Yesterday we talked about Gosnell having a breakout game. Do you still believe in that projection given the current depth chart?
Monica: I do! Luke Reynolds had two scores, but he’s listed as a WR/TW hybrid often. Gosnell is a traditional TE. If SMU doubles on Reynolds and Brown, Gosnell becomes the mismatch. His size is an advantage against smaller linebackers.
Frank: That’s a smart read. If SMU tries to overload the flat, Gosnell can slip into the seam. Hairston is the blocking specialist, Henderson is the veteran leader, and Jones is the young talent. Gosnell is the one to watch for production.
Monica: Alright, Segment Three: Roster Cut Predictions and Trending Names. We are approaching the final weeks of the season. Which players are trending UP, and who is trending DOWN based on this Clemson performance?
Frank: Trending UP: Ethan Grunkemeyer, Que’Sean Brown, and Jaquez White. White had eleven total tackles, leading the defense. He is a consistent producer. Brown is finding rhythm. Grunkemeyer is playing calm, efficient football.
Monica: I agree with White. Eleven tackles is a lot. He is everywhere. But who is trending DOWN? Jeffrey Overton Jr. had minimal impact. Does that put his job at risk for next week?
Frank: Overton is on thin ice. Twenty-six yards is not enough. If Marlon Hawkins Jr. can show more in practice, he might get more snaps. Also, the offensive line as a whole needs to tighten up. Individual linemen who allowed pressure against Clemson will need to prove themselves quickly.
Monica: So, Hawkins for more touches, and the OL needs to clean up its act. What about the receivers? Is anyone else dropping balls or missing assignments that concerns you?
Frank: Not necessarily dropping, but the volume is low for most outside the top three. Players like Keylen Adams, Davion Brown, and L.J. Booker need to make a play to stay relevant. In college football, if you aren’t making plays, you aren’t playing. It’s brutal but true.
Monica: Brutal but true. So, the takeaway is: trust the starters, watch the backups, and pray the offensive line holds up. We predicted last week that VT would beat SMU and finish with nine wins. Do you still have that confidence?
Frank: I do. Six-and-two is a strong record. The win at Clemson proves they can compete with anyone. If Grunkemeyer stays healthy and the running game finds a spark, seven-and-two is very achievable. Nine wins is the ultimate goal, and I think they are on track.
Monica: We’ll see you after the game. Virginia Tech visits SMU on November 7th at 7 p.m. EST. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network wherever you listen. Help us keep the Hokie Nation informed every single day.
Frank: Go Hokies. Let’s get that ninth win.
Monica: This is Monica and Frank signing off. Keep your helmets on and your eyes open. We’ll see you tomorrow.