Peoples, strong defense carry No. 13 Tech to win over ODU

The Hokies amassed more than 500 yards and Tech's defense recorded its second shutout of the season

September 23, 2017

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech tailback Steven Peoples scored three touchdowns, including two before halftime, and Tech’s defense notched its second shutout of the season, as the No. 13 Hokies gradually pulled away from Old Dominion, winning 38-0 in a non-conference game played Saturday afternoon at Lane Stadium.

With the win, Tech moved to 4-0 on the season – its first 4-0 start since 2011. That year also marked the last time the Hokies won all their non-conference games. Old Dominion fell to 2-2 on the season.

Tech was sluggish for much of the first half, but came up with a big play when backup free safety Divine Deablo intercepted a pass in Old Dominion territory. That play led to a 17-yard touchdown pass from Josh Jackson to Peoples with 6:07 left in the first half.

On the Hokies’ next possession, they marched impressively 79 yards in 11 plays. With 40 seconds left before halftime, Peoples scored on a 1-yard run to give Tech a 17-0 lead.

Those two touchdowns drives sparked the Hokies’ offense, which scored touchdowns on five of six drives spanning the two halves.

Jackson completed 20 of 30 for 298 yards and three touchdowns, with an interception – his first of the season. Peoples finished with 135 total yards (73 receiving, 62 rushing) of Tech’s 582.

Tech’s defense allowed Old Dominion to get past midfield just one time in the game. The Hokies held the Monarchs to 149 total yards.

GAME NOTES

• The game marked the first multiple-touchdown performance of Peoples’ career. The two receiving touchdowns marked the second and third of his career, while his rushing touchdown was his third.

• Tech has now scored 27 points off opponents’ turnovers through the first four games.

• Joey Slye added to his nation’s-leading touchback total with seven against Old Dominion. He now has 29 for the season.

• Slye continues to inch toward Shayne Graham’s career scoring record of 371 points. With eight points against the Monarchs, Slye now has 360 points for his career and needs just 12 points to surpass Graham (1996-99).

• Cam Phillips caught seven passes for 106 yards – his third 100-yard performance of the season. He entered the season with just two such performances.

UP NEXT

Tech now gears up for a showdown with No. 2 Clemson to commence ACC play. The Hokies and Tigers square off next Saturday at Lane Stadium in a game that will be televised by ABC. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. Tech has lost in its last four meetings with the Tigers.

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