#21 West Virginia – 17
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia got points in all three phases of the game and was able to bottle up Georgia Tech's option attack on their way to a 17-7 opening round victory.
The Mountaineers took the opening kickoff and methodically marched down the field on a promising drive, but almost came away empty-handed as Georgia Tech's Rod Sweeting (and the game's self-proclaimed Best User Corner Orange) looked to have a sure interception in the endzone only to drop the pass and see the ball fall into the arms of WR Brad Starks.
The Yellow Jacket offense came out lifeless and quickly punted. WVU was able to tack on a 49-yard Tyler Bitancourt field goal to take a 10-0 lead before halftime.
With their offense still sputtering, GTU found a spark on the defensive side of the ball in the 3rd quarter on a Michael Peterson 72-yard non-user-controlled interception returned for touchdown. The defense would step up again in the fourth as LB Doug Rigg forced a fumbled that was recovered by DE Julian Miller giving the Yellow Jackets a chance to tie or take the lead. But the offensive woes contined as QB Tevin Washington was stripped by CB Pat Miller and LB Najee Goode returned it 64 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.
After taking the early lead, the Mountaineers tried to give Georgia Tech a dose of their own medecine, controlling the clock and playing keepaway to the tune of a five minute advantage in time of possession.
Georgia Tech finished the day just 1 of 6 on third down.
West Virginia moves on to play #12 TCU with the win.
Stats:
West Virgina
QB Geno Smith – 4 of 6, 31 yards, TD, INT
RB Shawne Alston – 15 carries, 61 yards
WR Brad Starks – 3 rec, 31 yards, TD
CB Pat Miller – FF, PBU, 3 tackles
LB Najee Goode – FR & TD, 2 TFL, sack
K Tyler Bitancourt – 49-yard FG
Georgia Tech
QB Tevin Washington – 3 of 9, 26 yards, fumble
CB Michael Peterson – INT & TD
LB Doug Rigg – FF, 3 tackles, TFL
DE Julian Miller – FR, 3 tackles
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