After scoring to get on the board, the Virginia Tech defense got the triple option off the field on a three and out. Paul Johnson’s group lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1, but a false start forced a punting situation.
Virginia Tech got the ball back and drove down the field quickly and efficiently again. A key play on the drive was a first down conversion to Andre Smith. The Jacket defense forced a third down, flushed Tyrod Taylor out of the pocket, but the senior quarterback connected with a leaping Andre Smith for the first down.
Tyrod Taylor set the Virginia Tech record for most career yards during the drive.
Taylor made his first mistake of the game, throwing an interception in the end zone to Rod Sweeting. The Tech defense did not get any pressure, and Taylor had seemingly forever but could not find an open receiver.
Virginia Tech's defense came up with another stop, but then the punt was fumbled on the catch, giving the ball back to the Jackets with great field position.