Tech triumphs over Cavaliers

By Edward Lupien The Collegiate Times

November 27, 2007

Blacksburg, VA (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Virginia Tech held off its in-state rivals, the University of Virginia Cavaliers, in Charlottesville on Saturday by a score of 33-21.The contest was the 89th meeting between the two schools, and decided which team would play in the ACC Championship this Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Tech continued to implement the two-quarterback system once again, utilizing the differing talents of both freshman Tyrod Taylor and junior Sean Glennon.

Both quarterbacks ended up completing more than half of their passes and threw for a combined total of 299 yards - more than twice that of UVa quarterbacks Jameel Sewell and Peter Lalich, who were held to 144 yards passing.

"They both made some plays," said Frank Beamer, Tech's head coach. "Having two very different quarterbacks really adds something to our offense."

Glennon threw for 260 yards and one touchdown while completing 68 percent of his attempts. While he threw for 39 yards in the air, Taylor contributed 29 yards and two touchdowns rushing. The game was the freshman's first taste of the in-state rivalry.

"It was very exciting," said Taylor. "There was a lot of trash-talking going on. It's a great rivalry."

In addition to Taylor, junior running back Branden Ore rushed for 147 yards - eclipsing his highest single-game total this season by 50 yards. Ore's longest run of the day came in the fourth quarter when he ran for 25 yards into the UVa redzone. The gain set up a five-yard touchdown run by Taylor, which gave the Hokies a two-score lead over the Cavs.

"We did a good job of opening holes and he did a good job of finding them," said senior offensive tackle Duane Brown of Ore.

Earlier in the second quarter, with Tech leading and within field goal range, wide receiver Eddie Royal made a rare pass attempt to Ore that was intercepted by Virginia cornerback Chris Cook. The turnover led to the Cavaliers producing a 52-yard drive that ended on an eight-yard rushing touchdown by Sewell. The touchdown put the Cavs up 14-13, and it was the first time the Hokies had trailed the Cavs since the 2004 meeting between the two schools.

Despite the miscue, Royal surpassed the 100-yard mark for the first time this season with 147 yards receiving, and he redeemed himself with a 39 yard touchdown catch with 12 seconds left in the first half that gave the Hokies a 20-14 lead going into the locker room.

Senior kicker Jud Dunlevy made four field goals for the first time this season, connecting on all kicks he attempted. Dunlevy totaled 15 points on the day, also hitting all three extra points he attempted. Dunlevy has now made 21 field goals this season, leaving him one shy of tying the single season record of 22 set by Shayne Graham in 1998 and Chris Kinzer in 1986.

On the opposite side of the ball, senior Cavalier defensive end Chris Long, who had his jersey retired before the game, finished with a season-high five unassisted tackles, and forced a Glennon fumble in the third quarter.

"He's very strong," said Taylor of Long. "We watched him all week."

The victory over the Cavs gave the Hokies a 7-1 in-conference record and an overall record of 10-2, while Virginia fell to 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference.

After the win, several players feel that the mindset of the team has changed quite a bit since the beginning of the season.

"We trust each other," said Royal. "We've come together as a family."

"We struggled at the beginning of the season, but we've come back strong," said senior linebacker Vince Hall.

With the win, the Hokies become ACC Coastal Division champions and are now set to play Boston College, the winners of the Atlantic Division, at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla. for the ACC Championship.