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Williams, LSU dominates Virginia Tech

Sep 9, 2007 - 5:54 AM BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (Ticker) -- It did not look like a matchup between top 10 teams.

Second-ranked Louisiana State collected 297 rushing yards en route to a dominating 48-7 victory over No. 9 Virginia Tech.

Keiland Williams rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries. The sophomore running back broke a spectacular 67-yard touchdown run in the second quarter as LSU (2-0, 1-0 SEC West) took a 24-0 advantage into the half.

"I didn't think Matt was going to pitch to me," Williams said of his TD run. "There was a guy between him and me. I wasn't expecting the pitch, but I got it and started doing something with it. After the play on the sideline, I wondered why I jumped (over a teammate). But I did and just took off after that."

"Don't make too much of this," LSU coach Les Miles said. "It's all about what we've got to do in the future."

Williams struck again in the fourth quarter, taking a 32-yard carry into the end zone to give the Tigers a 41-7 lead with 9:29 remaining.

"It's kind of hard to say we expected this," Williams said. "But the coaches did a great job preparing for Virginia Tech. We were confident that if we executed, we had a great chance to win."

Jacob Hester rushed for 81 yards on 12 carries and gave LSU an early 7-0 advantage with a 3-yard touchdown score. Freshman speedster Trindon Holliday added 33 rushing yards on just four carries.

LSU starting quarterback Matt Flynn completed 17-of-27 passes for 217 yards before being relieved by Ryan Perrilloux, who tossed two touchdowns.

"Matt Flynn had a really good game, managing the game and showing leadership that we need from that position," Miles said.

Brandon LaFell was the favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 125 yards. Early Doucet, who made six catches for 74 yards, had a 34-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter to seal the game and give LSU a 34-7 lead.

"We went out today and played confident," LaFell said. "Don't let the score fool you. (Virginia Tech) played every down. When you have a guy like Early Doucet get doubled-team, that's going to give me some opportunities."

Virginia Tech (1-1) was completely shut down by the LSU defense, managing just 149 total yards. Starting quarterback Sean Glennon was held to just 2-of-10 passing for 16 yards and one interception.

"We took it personal," defensive tackle Glen Dorsey said. "We wanted to show the nation what we were all about. Our defense dominated, and our offense dominated too. We were anxious to show the world what LSU was about."

"Our defense played really well from start to finish," Miles said. "Defensively, it's the same thing every week - speed to the ball, preparation, attention to details. Our helmets were all around the football."

Freshman Tyrod Taylor saw his first action and provided some offensive explosiveness but it was not close to enough. Taylor passed for 60 yards and rushed for 42.

The Tigers registered 598 total yards, which is the most the Hokies have surrendered since their 2002 meeting with Syracuse.

LSU safety Craig Steltz, who made three interceptions last week, came away with another pick in this one and a sack.