No. 21 Virgina Tech 38, Miami 35-
The Virginia Tech Hokies sneaked by Miami Saturday afternoon in a classic ACC shootout in Blacksburg. One week after their offense looked anemic against Clemson, managing just over 250 yards of and scoring only three points, the Hokies rebounded, putting up 38 points and racking up 482 yards en route to a crucial victory to their chances of winning the ACC Coastal Division.
The difference was the Hokies first-year starting quarterback Logan Thomas. Thomas threw more touchdowns (three) than incompletions (two). He also rushed for two touchdowns, including the decisive score to put the Hokies up 38-35 with just under a minute remaining.
It was truly a story of two halves, as the Hokies came out of the gates dominating the Hurricanes to the tune of 14-0 in just over a quarter of play. As the Hokies drove for a third score, Thomas fumbled a snap in the red zone and Miami scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive after a long pass on third down, originally called incomplete, was erroneously overturned.
In the second half, the Hurricanes dominated the Hokies defense, gouging them with heavy doses of Lamar Miller, trick plays and a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty kept another Hurricane scoring drive alive. Miami was able to tally 519 yards, more than the Hokies, but didn't have an answer for Thomas. With the win, the Hokies move to 5-1 (1-1) and the Hurricanes move to 2-3 (0-2). It is worth noting that no ACC team has ever started 0-2 in conference play and ended up the ACC champion. For more on the Hokies, visit Gobbler Country. For more on the Hurricanes, visit The 7th Floor.
No. 8 Clemson 36, Boston College 14-
The Clemson Tigers continued to run over their competition by dispatching the Boston College Eagles Saturday afternoon. The Eagles played one of their better games of the year, but there was an obvious gap in talent. The biggest news came in the third quarter when Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd left the game with an apparent hip injury.
The Tigers were able to carry on without him however, extending their lead and riding running back Andre Ellington and his 117 yards to the win. For more on Clemson, visit Shakin the Southland. For more on Boston College, visit BC Interruption.