BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech scored on five of its eight first-half possessions, and Quincy Patterson II accounted for three touchdowns off the bench to carry the No. 20 Hokies to a 45-24 victory over NC State in an ACC game at Lane Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite playing without 23 players and four coaches because of coronavirus issues and injuries – including starting quarterback Hendon Hooker – the Hokies got off to a quick start in a season opener delayed by two weeks because of two COVID-related postponements. Tech took advantage of an NC State defense missing three starters out with injuries, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and never looking back.
The Hokies scored on their first three possessions, getting a 46-yard field goal from Brian Johnson and touchdown runs of 37 yards from Khalil Herbert and 8 yards from Raheem Blackshear.
In the second quarter, Patterson came on in relief of starter Braxton Burmeister, who injured his right (throwing) hand while being sacked with 11 minutes left in the first half. Patterson threw touchdown passes on the Hokies' final two drives of the half – a 15-yard strike to Tayvion Robinson and a 16-yard score to James Mitchell – and the Hokies took a 31-10 lead at halftime. He also scored on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Burmeister returned to the game in the second half, and both he and Patterson combined to played well at the position. Patterson completed 4 of 6 for 75 yards and the two scores, while Burmeister completed 7 of 11 for 106 yards.
Herbert paced the Hokies' efficient ground game, rushing for 104 yards on just six carries. Tech finished with 495 total yards – 314 on the ground.
Tech's defense played a tremendous game as well, holding NC State to just 386 yards and registering six sacks. Devin Leary threw for 165 yards and a score to lead the Wolfpack (1-1, 1-1).
GAME NOTES
• Tech coach Justin Fuente moved to 4-0 in home openers as the Hokies' coach.
• Johnson has made 15 consecutive field goals going back to last season.
• Deablo's first-quarter interception, which set up an 8-yard touchdown run by Raheem Blackshear, marked the third of his career.
• Patterson's two touchdown passes equaled his total from last season.
• Mitchell's touchdown reception marked the third of his career.
UP NEXT
The Hokies hit the road next weekend for an ACC game against Duke in Durham, North Carolina. The kickoff is slated for 4 p.m.Gallery: (10-1-2020) 2020 FOOTBALL vs. NC STATE
