No. 14 Virginia Tech steamrolled a struggling North Carolina 59-7 for their second straight win. The Hokies dominated the game in every facet of the game, jumping out to a 52-0 lead that included a 35-0 halftime lead. The Hokies flexed their muscle by scoring in nearly every possible way.
1. Fumble Return
andrewwinn: FAT GUY TD #VTvsUNC ESPN News ESPN Goal Line https://t.co/CuKX9JqJAW pic.twitter.com/7KxTPKB6Oh
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) October 21, 2017
After trading punts, Virginia Tech got its first score of many in the game via its defense. North Carolina quarterback Chazz Surratt fumbled the football after being pressured. Defensive tackle Ricky Walker scooped up the loose ball and rumbled 12 yards to the end zone to give the Hokies a 7-0 lead following the extra point.
2. Greg Stroman Returns Punt 91 Yards for TD
The Hokies forced a punt on North Carolina’s ensuing possession. Virginia Tech cornerback Greg Stroman fielded the punt at the nine-yard line and accelerated through the Carolina defense untouched for a 91-yard punt return touchdown.
GREG STROMAN TO THE HOUSE! pic.twitter.com/ohBDsByXib
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) October 21, 2017
Virginia Tech built a 14-0 lead in a matter of 2:53 without its offense having a snap.
3. Passing TD
Travon McMillian in for 6 pic.twitter.com/du2TykUYnn
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) October 21, 2017
After punting three times and missing a field goal in its first four possessions, the Hokies offense finally arrived to the game. Running back Travon McMillian capped off a 12-play, 55-yard drive in the second quarter when he caught a pass from quarterback Josh Jackson in the flat for a four-yard touchdown. The Hokies were up 21-0.
4. Interception Return
Reggie Floyd Pick 6! pic.twitter.com/X2x42kGBF0
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) October 21, 2017
On the ensuing possession by North Carolina, the Hokies defense struck again. Safety Reggie Floyd intercepted a Brandon Harris pass and returned it 69 yards for the touchdown. The Hokies extended their lead to 28-0.
Reggie Floyd on his pick six: "I flashed back to high school when I played running back and took it back to the crib." #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) October 21, 2017
5. Offensive Dominance in Second Half
The Hokies rambled off five scores in their next six possessions. Jackson added two more touchdown passes, finding Cam Phillips and Eric Kumah for the scores. Kicker Joey Slye kicked a 37-yard field goal and backup quarterback A.J. Bush found freshman wide out Samuel Denmark on a 16-yard touchdown with a fade route toss in mop-up duty.
AJ Bush to Samuel Denmark for 6! pic.twitter.com/rE0S3rmGFP
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) October 21, 2017
What This Means
It was a huge day for the Hokies, who made sure of no upset slipup against the Tar Heels. North Carolina fell to 1-7 overall and 0-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference with their fifth straight loss.
Meanwhile, the Hokies continue to look strong and like a top-15 team. After getting pounced by then-undefeated Clemson three weeks ago, the Hokies have won back-to-back games against underdog opponents to improve to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the ACC. The offense wasn’t needed much as the defense made sure to pound a depleted Tar Heels offense, although they got their fair share of shots in.
Following the game, Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente said he “feels for [North Carolina] Coach Fedora.”
As their schedule will get tougher, a win like Saturday’s will build the confidence of Virginia Tech. While Miami remains undefeated in the ACC and leading the Coastal Division, the Hokies look like a formidable challenge to the Hurricanes, who have needed strong finishes to escape defeat the last three weeks.
But before Fuente will allow his team to look forward to their showdown in two weeks, he will allow them to enjoy this week’s win and prepare for a normally pesky Duke team that is desperate for a win next week.
