Virginia Tech dominated in every phase in a 54-17 non-conference victory over visiting East Carolina on Saturday at Blacksburg, Va.Quarterback Jerod Evans passed for a career-high 282 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Hokies’ offensive outburst. Virginia Tech (3-1) churned out a total of 462 yards and was turnover-free for the second straight game.The Hokies’ defense held East Carolina’s potent attack to 443 yards, well off the Pirates’ season average of 550.7 entering the game. Virginia Tech dropped ECU for 16 tackles for loss and six sacks.Special teams also played a major role for Virginia Tech, contributing a blocked punt, blocked field goal and an 87-yard punt return touchdown by Greg Stroman.The Hokies, who avenged a two-game losing streak to the Pirates, raced to a 38-0 halftime lead before letting up a bit in the third quarter.East Carolina (2-2), which saw its six-game win streak against ACC teams snapped, scored on the first play of the second half on a 75-yard pass from quarterback Philip Nelson to wide receiver Jimmy Williams.Nelson and Williams hooked up again on a 70-yard touchdown completion later in the third quarter.Nelson passed for 362 yards and two touchdowns. Williams had three catches for 179 yards and wide receiver Zay Jones caught 10 passes for 115 yards.Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford caught four passes for 117 yards and one touchdown. Evans, who completed 13 of 20 passes, had a team-leading and career-high 97 rushing yards, most of which came on a zig-zagging 55-yard scoring run in the third.All three of Evans’ touchdown passes came in the second quarter. His 24-yard strike to Ford pushed the lead to 21-0. Running back Travon McMillian caught a 13-yard touchdown pass a short time later, and wide receiver Cam Phillips came down with a 55-yard scoring pass right before halftime.The Hokies have this weekend off before resuming their ACC schedule at North Carolina on Oct. 8. The Pirates host Central Florida on Oct. 1.The Sports XChange contributed to this report.
