ORLANDO, FL (WWBT) -
Virginia Tech was held scoreless for three quarters of the Russell Athletic Bowl on Friday night and trailed 10-0 entering the fourth frame, but stormed back to secure its 20th straight winning season.
Antone Exum came up with a big fourth quarter interceptions and Cody Journell booted home the game winning field goal in overtime as the Hokies nipped Rutgers, 13-10, at Citrus Bowl Stadium on Friday night.
From the start, it look as though it would not be the Hokies' night. On the second play of the game, a bad snap rolled into the endzone and Rutgers recovered the ball for a touchdown, giving the Scarlet Knights a 7-0 lead less than a minute into the game. Thomas would continue to struggle, throwing two interceptions, and Virginia Tech would head into the locker room trailing 10-0.
After a scoreless third quarter, Journell got the Hokies on the board with a 25 yard field goal. On the ensuing drive, Exum was in the perfect spot to intercept an over-thrown pass and returned it into Rutgers territory. That led to a 21-yard touchdown pass from Logan Thomas to Corey Fuller, tying the game at ten.
Journell would connect with a 22-yard field goal in the first overtime, and after stellar defense, Nick Borgese missed a 42-yard field goal attempt, clinching the victory for Virginia Tech.
The Hokies finish the season 7-6 and finish with a winning record for the 20th straight season. The Deep Run product Exum was awarded the game's MVP award.
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