The Virginia Tech Hokies fought through a missed field goal and a tough Georgia Tech team to defeat the Yellow Jackets 20-17 in overtime in their season opener.
Kicker Cody Journell booted a 41-yard field goal to force overtime as the clock ran out in the fourth quarter and later converted the game-winning 17-yard kick to help the Hokies open the season with a win.
Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas had a solid but not stellar game, with 230 yards passing on 21 of 38 attempts. He also had two touchdown passes.
The team was hoping to get off to a fast start against their Atlantic Coast Conference division rival, but was sluggish through most of the game before Journell kicked them to victory.
"He kicked a big one there tonight," Beamer said, according to the Associated Press. "And that last one, that's not an easy one with the pressure."
The Georgia Tech offense was stifled throughout the game, but the Yellow Jackets took the lead in the fourth when quarterback Tevin Washington threw a touchdown pass to Deon Hill. Washington had only 96 yards passing on 10 completions, but also led the team with 63 yards rushing.
The Hokies were trailing 17-14 near the end of the fourth quarter when Journell made his first kick to send the game into extra time.
Georgia Tech had chances to score in overtime, but turned the ball back to Virginia Tech after Washington threw an interception to Hokies junior cornerback Kyle Fuller.
This season Virginia Tech has high expectations and is projected to be in the national championship conversation after they made it to the Sugar Bowl last year against the Michigan, where they fell in overtime 23-20.
Journell wasn't able to play in that game due to a suspension he received for getting arrested on breaking and entering charges.
"Cody made a big mistake and I thought he paid a tremendous price," Beamer said to the Associated Press. "But I think he knows that this is his family and we're all pulling for him."
Beamer had hoped to avoid a loss to start the season, something that the team has done only twice in the past five years. In 2008 they lost their first game to East Carolina and followed the next season with a loss against Alabama. In 2010 they were defeated by Boise State, who went on to a 12-1 record.
The team also had to replace four starters on the offensive line this season as well as star running back David Wilson, who was an NFL first round pick for the New York Giants. Some players were making their first career starts against Georgia Tech, including running back Michael Holmes and guard David Wang. Holmes led the Hokies with 54 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Virginia Tech will next play the Austin Pea at home on Sept. 15, while Georgia Tech will take on Presbyterian.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
