{
  "id": 8598531,
  "title": "Grunkemeyer’s sharp start helps Virginia Tech beat Maryland 35-26, snapping Terps’ nonconference run",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/grunkemeyers-sharp-start-helps-virginia-tech-beat-maryland-35-26",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T03:26:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/09/19/grunkemeyers-sharp-start-helps-virginia-tech-beat-maryland-35-26-snapping-terps-nonconference-run"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Collegiate football took center stage at College Park, Maryland, as Virginia Tech secured a 35-26 victory over Maryland, ending the Terrapins' streak of 20 consecutive nonconference wins. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer was the hero, throwing for 314 yards and three touchdowns, including a crucial 2-yard pass to Ja’Ricous Hairston that put Virginia Tech ahead 27-14 at halftime.\n\nGrunkemeyer's performance marked the first time the Hokies (3-0) had faced a Power Four opponent since new coach James Franklin took over. Virginia Tech's offense was dominant, scoring touchdowns on five of their first six possessions and leading by 21 points at the half. Maryland's Malik Washington had a solid game, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns, but missed two crucial 2-point conversions.\n\nDespite the loss, Maryland's Malik Washington completed 21 of 34 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns. The Terps' offense managed to keep the Hokies within one score until Grunkemeyer's second half brilliance. Virginia Tech's defense also stepped up, holding Maryland to just 302 total yards and forcing key turnovers.\n\nAs Virginia Tech looks ahead to their next game against Boston College, the outlook for the ACC contenders appears promising under the guidance of James Franklin.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Virginia Tech defeats Maryland 35-26, ending 20-game nonconference win streak.",
    "Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer throws 314 yards, 3 TDs in decisive performance.",
    "Maryland's Malik Washington throws 359 yards, 3 TDs but misses 2-point conversions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}