Blacksburg, VA (Sports Network) - Cody Journell's 29-yard field goal as time
expired lifted the Virginia Tech Hokies to a 17-14 win over the Virginia
Cavaliers in ACC play at Lane Stadium.
Logan Thomas threw for 129 yards and a touchdown while also running for a
game-high 89 yards and a TD to help the Hokies (6-6, 4-4 ACC) become bowl
eligible for the 20th consecutive season. With the victory, Virginia Tech also
retained possession of the Commonwealth Cup for the ninth straight year.
Michael Rocco threw for 177 yards with one touchdown and one interception for
the Cavaliers (4-8, 2-6), who came up a bit short in their bid to play spoiler
against their in-state rival. Rocco's interception came toward the end of
regulation to set up Journell's game-winning kick.
After a scoreless first quarter, Thomas got Virginia Tech on the board with a
seven-yard touchdown pass to Randall Dunn at the 10:30 mark of the second
quarter.
Rocco's 42-yard scoring strike to Tim Smith with 3:30 to play in the half tied
the score at 7-7.
The Cavaliers took a 14-7 lead with 10:55 remaining in the third quarter
thanks to their defense, as Brent Urban scooped up a fumble following a Thomas
sack and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown.
Virginia Tech tied it back up at 14-14 at the 1:25 mark of the third quarter
when Thomas scored on a four-yard run to finish off a 15-play, 85-yard drive.
With time winding down in regulation, Hokies' defender Antone Exum intercepted
Rocco to set up the Virginia Tech offense with a first down at the UVA 24 with
3:21 to play. The Hokies worked the ball down to the UVA 10 before Journell
came on to kick the game-winning field goal as time expired.
The Hokies have now won nine straight meetings and 13 of the last 14 against
UVA. The defense led the charge, holding the Cavaliers to only seven first
downs and 217 yards of total offense for the game.
GAME NOTES:
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