Virginia Tech bounced back from last week's disapointing loss to East Carolina with a second half rally to defeat Furman University by a score of 24-7. The win advanced the Hokie record to 1-1 for the season

Coach Frank Beamer's 2008 team appeared to enter today's non-conference tilt with more questions than answers. The following is a breakdown of the afternoon clash from atop the Press Box at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.

PRE-GAME HYPE:

Whether you came into the game as a writer, fan or casual observer, you more than likely were at least aware of the quarterback controversy that exists in the "Hokie Nation". Most of the pre-game hype was centered around who would start at quarterback and how long each quarterback would play in today's game.

Overall, neither quarterback did a lot to establish himself as the unquestioned field general leader for this squad, the most inexperienced edition of Virginia Tech football in years.

Sean Glennon got the early nod at quarterback but was quickly in a rotation of "quarterback roulette" on the first series of plays. After the first four plays of the initial drive, sophomore Tyrod Taylor, who came off his redshirt status this week, entered the game. The crowd give him a rousing ovation upon his arrival, establishing himself as the popular choice among the majority of the white-clad fans.

Glennon- came in nine separate times to run the offense.

Taylor- came in nine separate times to run the offense.

Glennon- minus one yards of rushing yardage (counting sacks)

Taylor- 112 rushing yards (counting sacks)

Glennon- 42 yards passing

Taylor- 26 yards passing

Scoring Summary

Both teams struggled with scoring in the first half. Similiar to last week, Virginia Tech played in their opponents end of the field the majority of the first quarter. Again, like last week, they had an opportunity to kick an early field goal but chose to run an offensive play on fourth and short.

The first and only score of the first half came with :29 left before halftime as Dustin Keys kicked the first field goal of his career to give the Hokie the slimmest of leads at 3-0.

The score was preceeded by a Tyrod Taylor sixteen yard gallop and runs of sixteen and nineteen yards by Darren Evans.

On Tech first possession in the second half, the Hokies marched sixty four yards in six plays. Following a fifty yard jaunt by Taylor, Glennon came in conclude the touchdown march. After scrambling to buy time, the senior quarterback found Kenny Lewis, Jr. from ten yards out to cross the goal line. Keys added the PAT to give the Hokies a 10-0 lead with 8:41 remaing in the third quarter.

Obviously feeling a little more breating room, the defense turned up their intensity even more. Kam Chacellor recovered a fumble on Furman's first play from scrimmage after the Hokies' touchdown. Lewis, Jr. rumbled 23 yards to conclude a three play, thirty-one yard drive to stake the home team to a three score lead. Keys added the conversion with 7:16 left in the third quarter to make the score 17-0.

Virginia Tech scored the final of their twenty one point explosion in the third quarter with a Darren Evans three yard TD run. Once again, the defense forced a turnover when "ballhawker" defensive back Stephan Virgil intercepted an errant Paladin toss. For the third time, Keys added the extra point, staking the Hokies to a 24-0 lead with 6:12 remaining in the third quarter.

Furman dented the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. Their lone touchdown came on a Jordan Sorrells pass to Chris Truss with 6:02 left in the game. Matthew Cesari added the PAT to close out the scoring for the game.

Virginia Tech Statistical Leaders

Rushing:

Tyrod Taylor- 112 yards

Darren Evans- 72 yards

Kenny Lewis, Jr.- 50 yards

Total Team- 261 yards rushing

Passing:

Sean Glennon- 42 yards

Tyrod Taylor- 26 yards

Total Team- 68 yards passing

Receiving

Kenny Lewis- 36 yards

Dyrell Roberts- 24 yards

Total Team- 68 yards receiving

Special Teams:

Brent Bowden- 6 punts- 43.0 average

Dustin Keys- 1 FG, 3 PAT= 6 points

Victor(Macho) Harris- 30 yards (Punt Return)

As stated earlier, Virginia Tech came into the game with more questions than answers. Defensively, the team returned to their normal form, creating a bevy of physcial play in the secondary and setting the pace for the third quarter run.

On offense, the team returned to what has made them successful over the years- a dominant running game. They did not solve their quarterback issue. Neither QB was successful in the passing game. Taylor demonstrated two advantages,which probably gave him the upper hand in today's contest. His running created what was lacking from last week- 'the big play capability". The other difference was the energy level he brought to both the team and the fans which contribute to the aura of "Hokie Nation"