The Norman Transcript

National Sports

Discussion

December 29, 2012

Hokies win in OT

By Kyle Hightower Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cody Journell kicked a 22-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime to help Virginia Tech beat Rutgers 13-10 in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Friday night.

Virginia Tech (7-6) won its third straight game to avoid its first losing season since 1992.

Rutgers (9-4) had a chance to tie it in overtime, but Nick Borgese missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt to the right.

Virginia Tech trailed 10-0 at the half, then rallied in the final 30 minutes thanks to some timely turnovers and offense. Quarterback Logan Thomas struggled in the first and finished with a pair of interceptions, but also had 192 passing yards and the game’s only passing touchdown.

Virginia Tech cornerback Antone Exum picked off Gary Nova’s pass early in the fourth quarter to set up the tying score.

Rutgers seemed to be in command until the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, when turnovers and a sudden surge from the Hokies’ offense quickly turned the momentum.

Down 10-0, Virginia Tech took over after Rutgers missed field goal and moved into Scarlet Knights’ territory for the first time in the game on a 32-yard pass from Thomas to Dyrell Roberts.

Thomas then found Corey Fuller for a 25-yard strike on the next play, before the drive stalled on the 8. It forced the Hokies to settle for Journell’s 25-yard field goal.

Exum intercepted Nova’s pass on the ensuing drive, giving the Hokies a first down on the Rutgers 21.

The Hokies found the end zone three plays later on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Thomas to Fuller with 10:56 left as steady rain began to fall.

For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
National Sports
  • Cavs win lottery again

    NEW YORK — Nick Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers have beaten the NBA lottery odds again....

    May 22, 2013

  • For the Saints, back to business as usual

    NEW ORLEANS — Even as Sean Payton tried to make the best of his one-season bounty banishment from the NFL by spending time with his children, getting in shape and playing golf, he often compared his punishment to prison time....

    May 21, 2013

  • Sports world keeps eye on Oklahoma

    The massive tornado that ripped through a handful of Oklahoma City suburbs grabbed the attention of the sports world on Monday, especially for the players and coaches with ties to the area....

    May 21, 2013

  • Red Wings top Blackhawks to take series lead

    DETROIT — Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through the second period and Pavel Datsyuk restored a two-goal lead in the third to help the Detroit Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 Monday night to take a ...

    May 21, 2013

  • Smith, Colon lead Athletics past Rangers

    ARLINGTON, Texas — Seth Smith homered and scored three times, Bartolo Colon pitched seven strong innings for his first win in nearly a month and the Oakland Athletics beat the Texas Rangers 9-2 on Monday night....

    May 21, 2013

  • Savvy Spurs get best of Grizzlies in Game 1 of Western Conference finals

    SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs opened the Western Conference finals resembling the past champions who’ve been there so many times before....

    May 20, 2013

  • Bruins go up 2-0 on Rangers

    BOSTON — Claude Julien wanted his Bruins to play more aggressively in the third period. The Boston coach got his wish with the help of some shaky defense by the New York Rangers....

    May 20, 2013

  • Oxbow vs. Orb in the cards

    BALTIMORE — Another year, another Triple Crown hopeful unable to come through....

    May 20, 2013

  • No time to waste during Indy qualifying

    INDIANAPOLIS — Bump Day at Indianapolis followed the script. No surprises, no drama and no drivers getting bumped....

    May 20, 2013

  • Bracing for impact

    MIAMI — A year ago when Miami and Indiana faced off in the postseason, there were blood-drawing hits, flagrant fouls, technical fouls, choke signs being directed toward LeBron James and more than a few sharp-tongued comments....

    May 20, 2013