Collegiate Times

After Virginia Tech’s early-season debacle, just about the only upside for the Hokies was a clean conference slate.

Their 37-7 defeat of rival Virginia capped off an improbable run through the conference and gave the Hokies their seventh consecutive 10-win season — the longest streak in the nation.

“It makes these 10 wins feel better since we went through so much at the beginning of the season,” said Bruce Taylor, Tech linebacker.

“All of us wish it would have been a different way,” said Darren Evans, Tech running back. “We’re just trying to build off what we are doing now.”

Tech’s 8-0 conference record marks the first time a team has gone undefeated in ACC play since Florida State ran the table in 2000.

“I thought it was another good team win,” said Frank Beamer, head coach. “Where we started and where we finished right now — it’s been remarkable.”

The Hokies, who have now won the Commonwealth Cup for the 11th time in 12 years, racked up a meager 15 yards of offense in the first quarter, but took off from there.

An Eddie Whitley interception return to the Cavaliers' five-yard-line, followed by a Ryan Williams rushing touchdown broke the stalemate, giving the Hokies a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing Cavaliers possession, they attempted a fake punt, neediing two yards for the first down. Punter Jimmy Howell completed a pass to tight end Colter Phillips, but Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and Taylor stopped him a yard short to give the Hokies the ball.

Tech took advantage of its good field possession on the UVa 46-yard-line with a short drive that culminated with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor to running back David Wilson. Wilson broke several tackles before diving into the end zone.

Later in the half, the Hokies elected to go for it on fourth down from the UVa 30-yard-line rather than attempt the long field goal with the swirling wind. After failing to convert, the Cavaliers passed themselves down to the Hokies 14-yard line.

Already down 14-0, the Cavaliers went for a fourth-and-one but failed to convert. The Hokies drove back into UVa territory, but were forced to attempt a field goal — this time from the 23-yard-line.

Hazley made it with ease and the Hokies went into the locker room with a 17-0 lead.

The Cavaliers defense gave up 162 yards and two touchdowns in the third quarter alone. Williams scored his second touchdown on a 15-yard run, dragging a UVa defender for the final three yards of the run.

Evans added on a six-yard touchdown run and the Hokies were up 31-0.

Logan Thomas replaced Taylor at quarterback during the fourth quarter — Taylor exited with a standing ovation and Tech's all-time passing record of 6,532 yards, passing Bryan Randall’s 6,508 yards.

“It was a goal of mine that I wanted to get to,” Taylor said. “But we still have games to play, I’m not a record guy.”

Wilson capped off the Hokies scoring with a two-yard touchdown run. He was the Hokies' leading rusher with 83 yards to go along with 65 receiving yards.

Although the extra point attempt was blocked, Tech held a 37-0 lead.

The Hokies shutout attempt was spoiled with 2:59 remaining in the game when UVa quarterback Ross Metheny tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Keith Payne.

Tech will face either North Carolina State or Florida State in next weekend’s ACC Championship game. If the Wolfpack win at Maryland this afternoon, they will represent the Atlantic Division. Otherwise, the Hokies will play the Seminoles.

Kickoff is slated for 7:45 p.m. in Charlotte, N.C.

A version of this article appeared in the Nov 20 issue of the Collegiate Times.