Va. Tech pulls off dramatic comeback

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Cody Journell, who missed a 38-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, redeemed himself with a 41-yard field goal on the final play of regulation to tie the game, and an 18-yard field goal in overtime to give Virginia Tech a 20-17 win Monday night against Georgia Tech.

His kick at the end of regulation came just 38 seconds after Georgia Tech capped a 13-play, 72-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tevin Washington to running back Deon Hill. The touchdown gave Georgia Tech its first lead of the game at 14-10.

Though Georgia Tech isn't known for its aerial attack, Washington was 5 of 6 passing for 33 yards on the touchdown drive. Washington completed a 19-yard pass to running back B.J. Bostic on fourth-and-6 from Virginia Tech's 37-yard line to keep the drive alive.

Washington eluded defensive end J.R. Collins in the backfield on the play, and completed the pass despite the fact Bostic was covered by strong safety Kyshoen Jarrett, free safety Detrick Bonner and cornerback Antone Exum.

After Hill's touchdown catch, Virginia Tech (1-0) took over at its own 25. The Hokies moved to the Yellow Jackets' 47, where they faced fourth-and-4 with 13 seconds left.

Quarterback Logan Thomas hit receiver Corey Fuller for a 23-yard gain to on a slant pattern to Georgia Tech's 24. Virginia Tech used its final timeout to set up Journell's game-tying field goal.

Georgia Tech got the first possession in overtime, but Washington was picked off on the third play when he put up a desperation pass toward the goal line while being pressured by linebacker Bruce Taylor. Cornerback Kyle Fuller picked off the poor pass.

Virginia Tech's passing game had trouble getting started until midway through the fourth quarter. Thomas lofted a pass to wide receiver Demitri Knowles for a 42-yard touchdown with 7:46 left Monday night to put Virginia Tech ahead 14-10.