Hokies ride their pride to lopsided victory

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Disappointment doesn’t linger long with Virginia Tech’s football team.

People still question whether the 20th-ranked Hokies have anything to play for, now that they are completely eliminated from the national championship and ACC title races. The players just shrug their shoulders and keep going to work.

Tech didn’t look like a team ready to roll over Saturday at Maryland’s Byrd Stadium. It racked up 484 total yards — its fourth-highest total in an ACC game — and held the woebegone Terrapins’ offense to a measly field goal in a resounding 36-9 win.

“We’ve still got all the pride in the world. We can’t just give up the season because the ACC is gone,” said Hokies sophomore wide receiver Dyrell Roberts, who had three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown against Maryland. “We’ve still got a couple of games left, so we’re going to try to finish this season with 10 wins and go out with a bang.”

Tech (7-3, 4-2) was still technically alive for the ACC’s Coastal Division title entering Saturday’s game, but Georgia Tech ended all speculation with its blowout win over Duke.

The Yellow Jackets wrapped up the division, officially ending the Hokies’ two-year reign as conference champs.

That was of very little concern to Tech’s players, however. Most of them didn’t even know of the Georgia Tech result until reporters told them.

“We’ve got a lot to still play for pride-wise,” Hokies senior linebacker Cody Grimm said. “I think we’ve got one of the better teams since I’ve been here, and we’ve got to prove it.

“There’s still a ton to play for, (like) winning a bowl game. We’re playing for pride and bowl games. It didn’t work out for us, but stuff happens.”

Virginia Tech has won both of its November games since dropping consecutive conference contests to Georgia Tech and North Carolina in late October.

Since joining the ACC, November has been the Hokies’ best month, even when the ACC title has not been in the picture. Since 2004, Tech is 18-2 in November games and 16-2 against conference opponents.

Instead of telling people what they have to play for, the Hokies prefer doing their talking on the field.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor had one of his most complete games of his career against the Terps (2-8, 1-5), passing for 268 yards and a career-high three touchdowns and rushing for 81 yards on eight carries.

He completed five passes of 24 or more yards, including a 64-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Jarrett Boykin that gave Tech a 27-3 lead in the second quarter.

“My comfort level with the passing game is very high,” said Taylor, who now has thrown 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions this season. “I believe in my receivers; I believe they can play with any defender in the nation. I believe my line is going to block. It’s just my job to put the ball in their hands.”

The Hokies scored touchdowns on four of their first five drives and were clearly in control from the start.

“As long as you’ve got Tyrod, you’ve got a chance,” Tech coach Frank Beamer said. “He gives us a chance to be successful on every play, every offensive play, in my opinion. I’m glad he’s on our side.”

Tech’s defense continued its torrid play of late, holding its second straight opponent to single digits on the scoreboard.

Maryland finished with 236 total yards. Its two most productive drives ended with no points, continuing a bend but don’t break trend by the Hokies.

The Terrapins marched 77 yards in 15 plays to end the first half, but Nick Ferrara’s 39-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right.

Then, early in the third quarter, Maryland couldn’t capitalize on a nine-play, 70-yard drive that ended when Jamarr Robinson’s pass attempt to wide receiver Torrey Smith was broken up by Tech cornerback Rashad Carmichael.

With no championships at stake this season, Virginia Tech still strives to play at a championship level.

“I don’t know why you’d quit just because we’re out of the running for the ACC championship,” Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. “There’s a lot of football to be played. We’re a good football team and still have a chance to be an even better football team.

“We’ve still got a lot to play for. Most importantly, we’ve got to play for each other. That’s what its all about. These guys worked hard. They work year-round. They make a lot of sacrifices and commit to each other. That’s really what we need to go out and play for.”