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Hokies keep rolling in win over Tar Heels

Nov 14, 2010 - 5:13 AM Chapel Hill, NC (Sports Network) - Tyrod Taylor threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns to Marcus Davis as 16th-ranked Virginia Tech topped North Carolina, 26-10, at Kenan Stadium.

Taylor ended just 13-of-28 passing but Davis totaled 81 yards on four catches and Chris Hazley booted four field goals for the Hokies (8-2, 6-0 ACC), who have won eight in a row overall and strengthened their hold atop the Coastal Division over second-place Miami-Florida.

Darren Evans had 90 yards on 14 carries and Jarrett Boykin added 85 yards on three receptions.

"A great win for Virginia Tech. We beat a really good football team, I think, a really good football team," said Hokies head coach Frank Beamer. "I'm just proud of our football team, I'm proud of how hard we play and how consistent we play and we keep battling. I think the team's getting closer and closer and believing in each other and trusting each other. It's been a good ride. I really appreciate these guys."

T.J. Yates finished 18-of-33 for 197 yards but threw four interceptions and was sacked four times for the Tar Heels (6-4, 3-3), who saw their two-game win streak ended.

Anthony Elzy notched North Carolina's only touchdown of the contest as part of an 82-yard, 17-carry performance. He also led the club in receiving with seven catches for 102 yards in defeat.

"Not a great deal to say," offered Tar Heels head coach Butch Davis. "When you have opportunities against a good football team you need to capitalize on them. You can't drive the length of the field, have really good drives, and settle for three. But having said all of that, you still have to play well and you can't turn the ball over. I think our kids will bounce back. We'll work as hard as we can to put this behind us and get ready for the next game."

Taylor hit Davis for an 11-yard touchdown to cap the first drive of the third quarter and the visitors led 16-10. Hazley connected on a 23-yarder to finish the Hokies' next series for a nine-point edge.

Later in the third, a Hokies punt was muffed by a North Carolina returner, and the fumble recovery gave Tech possession at the home team's 29-yard line. Five plays later Taylor again hit Davis, this time from 13 yards out, and the Hokies led 26-10 with 2:37 left in the period.

Midway through the fourth quarter, North Carolina was poised to cut into its deficit, but Elzy fumbled the ball on his leap to the goal line through and out of the end zone for a touchback.

The following UNC drive was cut short when Yates was picked off near the goal line by Jayron Hosley. Virginia Tech picked up a pair of first downs en route to melting away the remaining 3:47 of the contest.

North Carolina tallied on the first drive of the game, as Elzy's one-yard touchdown run capped an 80-yard drive. Virginia Tech responded on its first drive with a 52-yard field goal from Hazley.

Tech got within one on their next series after Hazley booted a 38-yarder, but UNC took a successful drive into the second quarter and went up 10-6 on a 20- yard make from Casey Barth.

Hazley added a 20-yarder with 3:39 left in the half and the Hokies were within 10-9 at the break.

Game Notes

Virginia Tech has won six in a row over UNC and leads the overall series 17-10-6...The Hokies have won all four games at Chapel Hill since joining the conference in 2004...Virginia Tech won without the services of sophomore special teamer David Wilson (mono) and junior defensive end Chris Drager (concussion-like symptoms)...North Carolina gained 21 first downs to 19 for Virginia Tech, but the Hokies enjoyed a 418-314 advantage in total yards.