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The Virginia Tech Hokies took the trip to Greenville on Saturday to face the East Carolina Pirates. The game got off to somewhat of a surprising start as Gardner Minshew go the start at quarterback for the Pirates. Thomas Sirk, the expected starter for E.C.U., was held out by a concussion. The Pirates took the kickoff and immediately went to work. Davon Grayson caught a 9 yard pass from Minshew, and the Pirates were up with a quick 7-0 lead.
Virginia Tech responded quickly. Steven Peoples punched it in from one yard out, tying the game at 7-7. On the next series, the Hokies secondary broke down. Minshew found Trevon Brown in a seam, and he galloped 76 yards to the house. Jake Verity hit a 35 yard field goal, and shockingly Virginia Tech was trailing 17-7 after one quarter.
Cam Phillips had 11 catches in the first half, including a 10 yard strike to pull the Hokies within 3. The Virginia Tech offense looked crisp in the second quarter, but had to settle for three Joey Slye field goals. The last Slye three ball passed former legend, Shayne Graham on the Hokies’ all time field goals made list. The Hokies went into halftime with a 23-17 lead.
The Hokies took the second half kick and wasted little time in finding pay dirt. Joshua Jackson found, guess who, Cam Phillips on a 31 yard skinny post for the touchdown. Phillips tied the all time Virginia Tech record for single game catches with the grab. The try for two was no good, and the Hokies led 29-17.
Travon McMillian got into the act on the next possession. It was a little pop pass (think Sam Rogers) and he busted it 70 yards. The Hokies were in full control and led 36-17 early in the third. Cam Phillips broke the Virginia Tech single game reception record with a 45 yard bomb from Josh Jackson, his fourth touchdown pass of the day. The game was clearly in hand. Sean Savoy caught a TD, making it 50-17.
AJ Bush got into the game, as Justin Fuente pulled Jackson. He led a solid drive culminating in a Jalen Holston touchdown run. 57-17 at this point, and the Hokies were clearing their benches. Coleman Fox got in the act with a 5 yard run, and it was wood shed time for the Hokies. 64-17.