Tech Downs Tar Heels 35 – 10 The 16th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies defeated the UNC Tar Heels on Saturday in a game that saw the Hokie defense bail out its young offense a number of times. “It’s a good thing we can still score on defense,” said Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster in a post-game interview. Foster’s unit intercepted four passes on the day, one of which was returned 70 yards for the score by cornerback Brenden Hill. The game marked the first four-interception game for North Carolina since Ronald Curry threw four picks in a 31-20 loss against Clemson on Oct. 2, 1999. Hill’s interception could have been the third defensive score of the game. Linebacker Xavier Adibi picked off Joe Dailey and returned the ball 41 yards only to be knocked out of bounds at the two-yard-line. Tech special teams also blocked a punt in the second quarter and the ensuing scramble for the ball nearly ended in the endzone. Both situations resulted in Branden Ore rushing touchdowns. Aaron Rouse saved a touchdown by intercepting the ball in the endzone and freshman Kam Chancellor recorded his first career interception. Senior Cary Wade stripped Brooks Foster on the final play of the game for the fifth turnover. “Branden Ore was sensational,” said Tech head coach Frank Beamer. “Several times I thought he was done but he just kept popping out of there and kept on going.” Ore finished with 114 yards on24 carries and three touchdowns. He also caught 2 passes for 37 yards. Despite solid play from Ore, the Hokie offense showed its inexperience. None of the first half drives moved the ball more than 28 yards. Quarterback Sean Glennon, making his first ACC start, fumbled the ball twice; once on a mishandled snap and once after a blindside hit. Glennon finished 10 of 17 for 66 yards and no touchdowns. In mop-up time for the Hokies, quarterback Ike Whitaker’s only pass attempt connected with tight end Greg Boone for a 41-yard score. The Tar Heels actually struck first in the game, scoring on a 46-yard field goal by Connor Barth on their first drive. UNC would struggle offensively the rest of the half, alternating punts and interceptions on its next five drives. “That was definitely not the type of performance we wanted,” said Dailey. “We’ve gotta give (Tech) credit, because they did some things to shut us down.” The only other Tar Heel score came on an 18-yard toss from Cam Sexton to Foster with 1:25 left in the game. Sexton and Dailey combined to go 19 of 38 passing for 182 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. North Carolina finished with 87 yards on the ground led by Ronnie McGill’s 25 yards. Despite the 0-2 start and future road games against Miami and Notre Dame, at least one UNC player is optimistic about the rest of the season. “We always got a chance regardless,” said linebacker Durell Mapp. “I mean we’re still going 10-2. At least that’s the way I see it.” On Sept. 16, UNC hosts Furman in its next game, while Virginia Tech faces Duke at home. Complete game stats at http://www.hokiesports.com/football/stats/09092006.html |