The Virginia Tech Hokies lost their first game of the season Saturday afternoon, a stunning upset at the hands of the Pittsburgh Panthers, 35-17. Star quarterback Logan Thomas wasn't his usual prolific self, throwing three interceptions with just a 45.2 completion percentage, and the Hokies offense suffered as a result.
The real story of the game, though, wasn't Thomas' poor play, but the play of Pitt's running backs. Rushel Shell led the way with 23 rushes for 157 yards and Ray Graham carried the rock 24 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri was hobbling at the end of the game, but played well throughout, finishing 19-28 for 283 yards and three touchdowns, with an interception that came on the play he was injured. He finished the game, however.
The Hokies got absolutely nothing out of the running game, and didn't really try to, either. Michael Holmes led the team in carries with nine, but gained just eight yards. Thomas kept it seven times and ran for 28 yards.
The Hokies fell to 2-1 with the loss, and the Panthers, who lost to Youngstown State and Cincinnati in their first two games, improved to 1-2 with the upset victory.
For more on this game, please be sure to check out our blogs Gobbler Country andCardiac Hill along with our College Football Hub and SB Nation DC for all the latest news and updates.