Tech Football Wins Fifth Straight, Loses Lewis For The Season

By Natalie Gardner
October 4, 2008

The Virginia Tech Hokies added another win to their record after beating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 27-13 on Saturday. The Hokies did not find the easy win fans hoped for, however, and had to continue to play hard in the fourth quarter.

"I think they're all going to be down to the fourth quarter... but with our football team it's try to get a little bit better each week," said coach Frank Beamer on the late-game wins.

Even though Beamer saw a close game, he also saw a football team that keeps on improving. Tyrod Taylor continues to develop his passing game, throwing for 125 yards in the game. Taylor also connected for his first touchdown pass of the season, a-27 yard pass to Greg Boone. He did fumble three times, however, two of which were recovered by the Hokies.

Macho Harris is another player who continually raises his level of play. He currently holds a three-game interception streak. He also returned two punt returns for a total of 40 yards in Saturday's game and remains a key player on the offense, defense, and special teams.

Next week the Hokies will have a much-needed bye week before two in-conference away games at Boston College and Florida State. Virginia Tech will take the time to further examine its depth as a team after Kenny Lewis went down and will most likely be out for the season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon. Lewis had 17 carries for a total of 50 yards in the game against Nebraska.

"He's [Lewis] a great leader for our team, very vocal. It's going to hit us hard. We have guys that have to step up and I believe they're going to step up," said Taylor.

The loss of Lewis adds to the numerous losses the Hokies' roster has already suffered. "I thought Davon was a tough loss... now we've lost a guy on the other side who is just the same guy. He's very positive and puts so much into this thing," said Beamer on the injuries.

Young players such as Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin will need to step up in order for Virginia Tech to continue their own improving streak. At Saturday's game both Cole and Boykin led the Hokies in receiving yards.

Virginia Tech will take on Boston College on Oct. 18, at Chestnut Hill.