/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50654787/usa-today-9515869.0.jpg)
The Hokies lead the Flames 24-13. The Hokies got on the board early via a TD pass from Jerod Evans to Cam Phillips. The crowd noise was incredible, and Liberty had 5 false starts in the early going. The Liberty Flames caught a break on special teams, when a punt hit the back of a Hokie player, and they recovered deep in Hokie territory. The defense held, and the shutout was intact. Jerod Evans turned the ball over deep in Flames' territory at the 3:33 mark in the first quarter. Liberty RB Todd Macon plunged in from 2 yards for the score, but the Flames missed the point after. It was 7-6 with 2:47 left in the first quarter. Joey Slye hit a 34 yarder early in the second to make it 10-6 Hokies. Greg Stroman picked off Stephon Masha, setting up the Hokies in good position. The next play changed the tone of the half.
Cam Phillips was fighting for extra yards on a reverse, and was stripped. Liberty's Alpha Jalloh scooped it, and took it 71 yards to the house. 13-10, Liberty. Tech went 3 and out, punted, and then Terrell Edmunds had his first pick of 2016. After some "punt tradin'", Evans found Isaiah Ford, and the Hokies retook the lead, 17-13. Liberty was 0-9 on third down, but the Hokies' turnovers were keeping Liberty in the game. Near the end of the half, Bucky Hodges reeled in a 18 yard throw to make it 24-13 Hokies.
Virginia Tech | Liberty | |
1st Downs | 11 | 4 |
4th Down Efficiency | 1-1 | 1-2 |
Rushing Yards | 96 | 51 |
Passing Yards | 162 | 26 |
Total Yards | 258 | 77 |
Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
Punts (Avg) | 3(34.0) | 5(41.0) |
Penalties (Yards) | 3(18) | 7(35) |
Fumbles (Lost) | 4(3) | 1(1) |
Possession | 14:55 | 15:05 |