The No. 19 Virginia Tech Hokies suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday at No. 8 North Carolina 56-45.
As you would expect from such a high-scoring game, there’s lots to unpack here.
UNC jumped out to a big 21-0 lead early when Virginia Tech’s defense couldn’t stop anyone. More on that later.
Then, the Hokies stalled on two early drives, allowing the Tar Heels to build what would be an insurmountable lead.
The Hokies did claw back, though, pulling to within seven at 21-14, before falling behind 35-14 at halftime. Carolina would score again after Virginia Tech kicker Brian Johnson connected on a 55-yard field goal on the Hokies’ first drive in the second half to make it 42-17.