Landover, MD (Sports Network) – Kellen Moore’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Austin Pettis with 1:09 remaining in the game provided third-ranked Boise State with a thrilling 33-30 win over No. 10 Virginia Tech in an action-packed season-opener for both schools.
It was an incredible night for Pettis. The senior wide receiver blocked a punt and caught a second touchdown pass for the Broncos (1-0), who last year became just the second team in NCAA history to record a 14-0 season, capping it with a 17-10 win over TCU in the Fiesta Bowl.
Playing out of the Western Athletic Conference for a last season, the Broncos have already started the debate if they can be BCS busters this year and reach the national title game. They accomplished the first step against what should be BSU’s only ranked opponent this season.
Moore threw for three scores, while D.J. Harper ran for another TD for the Broncos.
Tyrod Taylor had a pair of touchdown throws for the Hokies (0-1), who are coming off a 10-3 season last year when they downed Tennessee in the Chick- Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Ryan Williams rushed for a pair of scores and caught another TD pass.
After a Virginia Tech punt, Moore led the Broncos on a drive that was aided by a big late hit call. Pettis caught a 14-yard pass on the left sideline, but Bruce Taylor’s hit out of bounds tacked on more yardage.
Two plays later, Pettis got free in the back of the end zone and caught a perfect strike from Moore.
Taylor couldn’t drive the Hokies past midfield, and Jarrett Boykin failed to hold onto a long fourth down pass that would’ve given Virginia Tech the ball deep in BSU territory. The Broncos ran out the remaining half-minute.