Central Michigan University
2-4 , 1-2
Virginia Tech
4-2 , 2-0
Taylor Leads Virginia Tech Past CMU, 45-21
10/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Final Stats | Notes | Quotes | Photos | Highlights | Enos Postgame
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Tyrod Taylor threw for 161 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 127 yards and two scores to lead Virginia Tech to a 45-21 nonconference win over Central Michigan on Saturday.
Virginia Tech improved to 4-2 overall with the win, its fourth straight after an 0-2 start. CMU dropped to 2-4 on the season.
The Chippewas out-gained Virginia Tech 401-394, ran 31 more offensive plays, held an 11:34 advantage in time of possession and stopped the Hokies on all eight of their third-down conversion attempts, but CMU punted nine times, missed two field goals and gave up three touchdowns of 68 yards or longer.
CMU began 11 of its 16 offensive possessions inside of its own 30-yard line. After finding the end zone on the game's opening series, CMU's eight remaining first-half possessions resulted in five punts, two missed field goals and an interception.
CMU quieted the Lane Stadium crowd by driving 80 yards in 13 plays with the opening kickoff. The Chippewas converted three third downs before Ryan Radcliff connected with Jerry Harris on a 21-yard scoring pass.
Just two plays later, however, Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor turned an option play around the left end into a 72-yard sprint to the end zone
Darren Evans scored on a 6-yard run early in the second quarter to put Virginia Tech in front. Evans' score came one snap after back-to-back pass interference penalties on the CMU secondary.
Radcliff was hit as he threw on CMU's second offensive snap following the touchdown, and Davon Morgan's interception set up the Virginia Tech offense at the CMU 18-yard line. The Chippewas' defense held the Hokies without a first down, however, and Chris Hazley converted a 30-yard field goal to extend Virginia Tech's lead to 17-7 with 10:54 remaining in the first half.
CMU had its best starting field position of the first half when Zurlon Tipton returned the ensuing kickoff to the Chippewas' 27-yard line and 15 more yards were tacked on for a late hit by Virginia Tech. The offense went three-and-out, and Virginia Tech covered 63 yards in just five plays to stretch its lead to 24-7. Taylor connected with Andre Smith for a 7-yard touchdown pass on first-and-goal.
Taylor scored his second touchdown, a 15-yard run, late in the third quarter, and David Wilson added a 68-yard touchdown scamper in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to extend Virginia Tech's lead to 38-7.
The Chippewas responded with their second 80-yard scoring drive of the day, capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Radcliff to Harris on fourth-and-goal. The teams traded punts, but Brett Hartmann's eighth punt of the day was returned 80 yards for a touchdown by Jayron Hosley.
Kenny McClendon recovered a Tony Gregory fumble deep in Hokies' territory on Virginia Tech's next possession, and two plays following the recovery Radcliff lofted a 19-yard touchdown pass to Kito Poblah for the final 45-21 margin.
Radcliff finished 21-of-48 through the air for 266 yards. Harris caught five passes for a career-high 101 yards and two scores. Paris Cotton led the Chippewas' rushing attack with 105 yards.
Nick Bellore made nine tackles, including two for a loss of yardage, to lead CMU defense.
Taylor's top target was Jarrett Boykin, who caught eight passes for 117 yards. Six other Hokies had one catch apiece. Wilson finished with 84 yards rushing, 68 of which came on his fourth-quarter touchdown run.
CMU returns home next week, hosting Miami in a Mid-American Conference matchup at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff for the Homecoming game is set for noon.
Team Stats
CMU 7, VT 0
CMU - HARRIS, Jerry 23 yd pass from RADCLIFF, Ryan (HOGAN, Richie kick) 13 plays, 80 yards, TOP 5:45
CMU 7, VT 7
VT - Taylor, T 72 yd run (Hazley, C kick), 2 plays, 78 yards, TOP 0:37
CMU 7, VT 14
VT - Evans, D 6 yd run (Hazley, C kick), 4 plays, 67 yards, TOP 1:38
CMU 7, VT 17
VT - Hazley, C 30 yd field goal 4 plays, 5 yards, TOP 1:57
CMU 7, VT 24
VT - Smith, A 7 yd pass from Taylor, T (Hazley, C kick) 5 plays, 63 yards, TOP 2:05
CMU 7, VT 31
VT - Taylor, T 15 yd run (Hazley, C kick), 6 plays, 73 yards, TOP 2:35
CMU 7, VT 38
VT - Wilson, D 68 yd run (Hazley, C kick), 2 plays, 80 yards, TOP 0:38
CMU 14, VT 38
CMU - HARRIS, Jerry 8 yd pass from RADCLIFF, Ryan (HOGAN, Richie kick) 8 plays, 80 yards, TOP 3:30
CMU 14, VT 45
VT - Hosley, J 80 yd punt return (Hazley, C kick)
CMU 21, VT 45
CMU - POBLAH, Kito 19 yd pass from RADCLIFF, Ryan (HOGAN, Richie kick) 2 plays, 23 yards, TOP 0:40