Virginia Tech is banged up at the quarterback position entering its game against rival Virginia. Hokies starter Kyron Drones and backup Collin Schlee are both dealing with injuries as the season winds down.
Because of that, redshirt freshman quarterback Pop Watson is expected to start at quarterback for Virginia Tech against the Cavaliers Saturday night, according to ESPN insider Pete Thamel.
“Sources: Redshirt freshman Pop Watson is the expected starter for Virginia Tech tonight against Virginia. Collin Schlee looms as a gametime decision for Tech, and the expectation is Watson starts,” Thamel posted on Twitter.
That is obviously tough news for the Hokies. Virginia and Virginia Tech are both 5-6 entering the game. The winner will clinch a bowl berth.
Kyron Drones missed the Virginia Tech game against Duke last week and Collin Schlee got the start. However, Schlee was banged up during the game and Pop Watson came on in relief.
Watson was 12 of 25 passing for 146 yards against the Blue Devils. The Hokies suffered a 31-28 loss. Watson also played against Old Dominion earlier this year but he did not attempt a pass in that game.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry provided an update on Kyron Drones and Collin Schlee earlier this week.
“I don’t have the answer to that right now,” Brent Pry said. “They’re both questionable. I’d say Schlee is a little further along, but I wish I felt better about it today.
“Limited [in practice]. To a degree, they may just be watching,” Pry said. “They are in treatment protocol. Both of them.”
Brent Pry was asked, specifically, if Collin Schlee had to go into concussion protocol, though he didn’t get specific about the issues that he’s battling.
“He’s banged up,” Pry said. “He’s been banged up. He took some shots earlier over the course of the last couple of weeks and in that game. He’s got a couple of things he’s gotta get well.”
Needless to say, Virginia Tech is in a tough spot from an injury standpoint heading into the Virginia game.