N.C. State Upsets VT 17-16 
| Published 10/01/04

 


Graphic by: Tim Tuley
This past Sept. 25, the Virginia Tech Hokies played host to the N.C. State Wolfpack. In a very well played defensive game of football, the Wolfpack managed to come out on top by the score of 17-16. This being VT's second conference game, the boys in maroon and orange were determined to remain undefeated. They looked to be fired up after serving up a blowout to Duke two weeks ago. On the other hand, the Wolfpack coming off a loss to Ohio St. looked to win their first conference game. 

The first quarter was exciting for fans who like to great defense, because there wasn't much scoring done. N.C. State hopped on the board first after a John Deraney field goal from 53-yards out, making the score 3-0. After that, I sat back, relaxed, and watched the ball switch possessions over a couple of turnovers. Tech intercepted a pass from the Wolfpack, which lead to a key missed field goal. The Hokies defense then forced and recovered a fumble, which lead to a second quarter touchdown. John Kinzer caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Bryan Randall (Brandon Pace kick) to take the lead 7-3.

After that first score in the opening minute of the second quarter, Brandon Pace added another 3 points to the Hokies lead which gave them the 7 point advantage 10-3. The Wolfpack would answer back however in the closing minutes of the half with a 6-yard touchdown run from T.A. McLendon (Deraney kick) to knot up the score 10-10 before going into halftime.

The third quarter was one of possession changes as both teamıs defenses were pumped up. The Wolfpack were the only ones to score off of a 1-yard touchdown run by Marcus Smith (Deraney kick) to take the lead 17-10. Then came the fourth quarter, and believe me, it was nail biting. Both scores of the quarter came from Brandon Pace and his two made field goals. The first field goal was made from 32-yards out, and the second from 37-yards out making the score 17-16 in favor of N.C. State.  However, in the end, that would be the final score as Brandon Pace missed a 43-yard field goal wide right with no time left on the clock.

This was an upsetting finish for the Virginia Tech Hokies, and a huge win for the N.C. State Wolfpack. Tech drops to 1-1 in the conference and 2-2 overall. N.C. moves to 1-0 in the conference and 2-1 overall. Virginia Tech will host West Virginia University on Oct. 2 at noon. N.C. State will host Wake Forest University at noon as well.

 

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