Hokies defeat Wolfpack with late defensive standHokies defeat Wolfpack with late defensive stand
Football

Hokies defeat Wolfpack with late defensive stand

Tech prevails in first ACC test of the season 23-21

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RALEIGH - Behind three John Love fied goals and the first touchdown in maroon and orange for Marcellous Hawkins, the Virginia Tech football team defeated NC State 23-21 Saturday night for the club’s second consecutive victory. The Hokies have now started 1-0 in ACC play for the fifth time in the last six seasons and stand at 2-3 on the season.

Tech began the scoring in the first quarter with Love's first attempt of the evening a 39-yarder with 8:51 to go in the first quarter. After State took the lead with a score, the Hokies scored 10 unanswered to take a 13-7 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, the Hokies' defense continued to pressure the Wolfpack, allowing just 299 total yards on 66 plays. 

State held a 21-20 lead in the fourth quarter after a Jayden Scott rushing touchdown, but the Hokies' offense put together a nine-play drive that culminated in Love's game-winning kick from 49 yards.

Tech's defense closed out the game getting a stop on fourth down with 45 ticks to go.

Game Notes
•The Tech defense held the Wolfpack to their lowest point total this season.
•The win snaps a two-game losing streak to NC State, and was the Hokies’ first win in Raleigh since 2010.
•RB Terion Stewart had his first 100-yard game on the ground in a Virginia Tech uniform (15 rushes for 175 yards). His 85-yard rush was the fourth-longest rush from scrimmage for a Hokie since at least 1987.
Hawkins' receiving touchdown was his first of the season.

Up Next
The Hokies return home Saturday, October 4 to take on Wake Forest (2-2, 0-2) at 1 p.m. in a game that can be seen on The CW. The contest will serve as Homecoming on the campus of Virginia Tech as well as the Orange Effect game.