Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Despite two passing touchdowns and one rushing score from quarterback Ryan Willis, Virginia Tech struggled to slow down Georgia Tech's rushing attack and fell 49-28 to the Yellow Jackets in an ACC game played Thursday night at Lane Stadium.
With the loss, the Hokies dropped to 4-3 overall, 3-1 in the ACC. Georgia Tech moved to 4-4, 2-3.
The key play in the game came midway through the second quarter when the Hokies, leading 21-14, forced Georgia Tech to punt. But Virginia Tech punt returner Sean Savoy muffed the punt, and Georgia Tech recovered at the Virginia Tech 12. Two plays later, Jordan Mason scored on a 5-yard run to tie the game at 21 with 6:57 left in the first half.
That touchdown was the first of four consecutive touchdowns scored by the Yellow Jackets, as Georgia Tech's ground game was in full throttle. Behind quarterback Tobias Oliver – starting in place of injured Taquon Marshall – the Yellow Jackets rushed for 465 yards and registered 35 first downs. Oliver finished with 40 carries for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
The Hokies finished with 323 yards of offense. Willis competed 15 of 22 for 201 yards and two touchdowns, and he also rushed for 22 yards and a score.
(10/25/2018) 2018 FOOTBALL vs. GEORGIA TECH
GAME NOTES
• Willis now has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each of his four starts. He has 10 touchdown passes and just three interceptions on the season.
• Damon Hazleton's 41-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter marked his team-best sixth touchdown catch of the season.
• Hazelton's 81 yards receiving marked the fifth time in seven games this season that he has recorded at least 50 yards in receiving.
• Tre Turner's 46-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter marked the first touchdown catch of his career. It also marked the longest reception of his career.
• Jalen Holston's touchdown run in the fourth quarter was the fourth of his career.
UP NEXT
The Hokies return to action Saturday, Nov. 3 when they take on Boston College at Lane Stadium in a game that serves as Homecoming. Virginia Tech has beaten the Eagles in each of the past three meetings. The game kicks off at 3:45 p.m.