CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Virginia Tech quarterback Ryan Willis threw a touchdown pass to Dalton Keene with 19 seconds left to lift the Hokies to a 22-19 victory over North Carolina in an ACC game played Saturday night at Kenan Stadium.
With the win, Tech moved to 4-2 on the season, 3-0 in the ACC. North Carolina fell to 1-4 overall, 1-2 in league play.
North Carolina was ready to put the game away, driving to the Tech 1 midway through the fourth quarter. But the Hokies' Tyree Rodgers forced a fumble from North Carolina tailback Michael Carter that Jovonn Quillen recovered at the Tech 2 with 6:13 remaining in the game.
Willis then led Tech on a 98-yard march, with the Hokies converting on third down on four occasions and on fourth down once. The drive ended with Willis connecting with Keene on a 1-yard touchdown with 19 seconds left. The Hokies went for two points and Willis hit Hazelton, giving the Hokies a 22-19 lead.
North Carolina had one final chance, but couldn't advance the ball past midfield.
Willis paced the Tech offense with 309 total yards. He completed 20 of 36 for 221 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 88 yards on 15 carries.
The Tar Heels finished with 522 yards. Carter led the way, rushing for 165 yards.
(10/13/2018) 2018 FOOTBALL at NORTH CAROLINA
GAME NOTES
• All three of the Hokies' conference wins this season have come on the road.
• The Hokies have beaten the Tar Heels three straight times and in five of the past six meetings.
• Keene now has caught touchdown passes in two of the Hokies' past three games.
• Sean Savoy's 13-yard touchdown reception marked his first of the season and the third of his career. His last touchdown reception came against Georgia Tech last year.
• Savoy's six receptions are the most for him this season and the second-most for him in his career. He caught nine passes in the Hokies' win over BC last year.
• Willis' 33-yard touchdown run was the longest rush of his career.
• The forced fumble by Emmanuel Belmar in the first quarter was the first of his career. Khalil Ladler notched his second fumble recovery on the season.
• Belmar also registered his first career sack in the game.
UP NEXT
The Hokies now take a week off before returning to the field on Oct. 25 when they take on Coastal Division foe Georgia Tech in a Thursday night game at Lane Stadium. The game kicks at 7:30 p.m.