Virginia Tech football: Hokies lead North Carolina 14-0 at halftime

Lane Stadium was packed for the first time in almost two years, and the Virginia Tech Hokies answered the challenge in the first 30 minutes. The Hokies lead North Carolina, 14-0, at halftime in the season-opener from Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech quarterback Braxton Burmeister completed seven of eight passes for 126 yards and one touchdown in the first half. Burmeister also carried the ball six times for 17 yards and a touchdown.

The Hokies dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The defensive line sacked North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell multiple times, as junior defensive end, Amare Barno sacked Howell twice.

Virginia Tech dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for almost 21 minutes. The Hokies have rushed for 77 yards in the first half. An issue to watch is fumbles. Tech fumbled the ball three times, with Keshawn King losing it inside UNC’s 20-yard line, costing Tech some valuable points. Fortunately, that was the only turnover.

Howell is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and UNC will get the ball first. There is a long way to go, but that’s a tremendous start. Now, the Hokies need to finish.