Virginia Tech defensive tackle Ricky Walker (8) scores a touchdown on a fumble recovery flanked by defensive back Mook Reynolds (6) and defensive end Trevon Hill (94) against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Josh Jackson threw three touchdown passes and No. 14 Virginia Tech scored on fumble, interception and punt returns to rout North Carolina 59-7 on Saturday.
Jackson passed for 132 yards and the Hokies (6-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) dominated in sending the Tar Heels (1-7, 0-5) to their fifth straight loss.
Off last week, Virginia Tech looked rested and focused and played that way, scoring in all three phases in the first half and bolting to a 35-0 halftime lead. Virginia Tech scored twice on defense, getting the first score of the game on defensive tackle Ricky Walker's 12-yard fumble return.
The Hokies added Greg Stroman's 91-yard punt return for a touchdown - his second punt return for a score this season - and defensive back Reggie Floyd's 69-yard interception return for a score.
North Carolina only got into Virginia Tech territory three times, turned the ball over three times, and finished with just 172 yards.
THE TAKEAWAY
North Carolina: The Tar Heels gave up 59 points, but their issues are on offense. They played three quarterbacks - Chazz Surratt, Brandon Harris and Nathan Elliott - and none were effective. Their three turnovers led to 21 Virginia Tech points.
Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech's defense might have played its best game of the season, as it thoroughly controlled the game until the fourth quarter when coordinator Bud Foster started substituting. Aside from 43-yard touchdown pass from Surratt to Anthony Ratliff, the Hokies didn't give up any big plays and registered a season-high six sacks.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
North Carolina: The Tar Heels obviously aren't in the polls and are experiencing one of their tougher seasons in recent memory.
Virginia Tech: The Hokies should move up in the poll, considering their strong performance Saturday and given Oklahoma State's unimpressive overtime victory over Texas.
UP NEXT
North Carolina: The road doesn't get any easier for the Tar Heels, who face Coastal Division-leading Miami next Saturday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Virginia Tech: The Hokies remain at home, where they will face Duke next Saturday. Virginia Tech has lost its past two games against the Blue Devils at home.
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Virginia Tech's Greg Stroman (3) gets away from North Carolina punter Tom Sheldon (39) on his way to a 91-yard return in the first half during an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech's Greg Stroman (3) scores on a 91-yard kick return in the first half against North Carolina in an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech's Ricky Walker (8) scores on a 12-yard fumble return during the first half against North Carolina in an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
The Associated Press
North Carolina running back Jordon Brown (2) gains yardage against Virginia Tech defensive tackle Jarrod Hewitt (55) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech's Greg Stroman (3) returns a punt for a touchdown against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech tight end Dalton Keene (29) makes a catch against North Carolina's Mason Laurence (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech defensive tackle Ricky Walker (8) and defensive end Trevon Hill (94) sack North Carolina quarterback Chazz Surratt (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech quarterback Josh Jackson (17) gains yardage against North Carolina safety J.K. Britt (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press
Virginia Tech wide receiver Sean Savoy (15) gains yardage against North Carolina safety Myles Dorn (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
The Associated Press