COLUMBUS, Ohio – Michael Brewer passed for two touchdowns and Virginia Tech’s defense stood tough at the end and the Hokies stunned No. 8 Ohio State 35-21 last night, ending a stretch of 35 consecutive victories in home openers that dated back to 1979.
Keyshoen Jarrett had two interceptions and Donovan Riley returned another 63 yards for a TD in the final minute as a record crowd of 107,517 at enlarged Ohio Stadium watched.
“It’s very disappointing, but we have to bounce back and be ready for Kent State. I think as a whole team we didn’t play well when we needed to play well. We had spurts throughout the game but not when we needed it the most,” said junior defensive tackle Adolphus Washington.
Brewer led the Hokies (2-0) to a 21-7 lead at the half. After his fumble led to the Buckeyes (1-1) pulling even on Ezekiel Elliott’s 15-yard run early in the fourth quarter, he led a 65-yard march capped by his 10-yard scoring pass to Bucky Hodges with 8:44 left.
The defense then stymied Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett, the freshman taking over for injured three-year starter Braxton Miller.
Barrett completed just nine of 29 pass attempts and threw thee interceptions, including one that the Hokies’ Donovan Riley returned 63 yards for a touchdown with :46 remaining in the game.
The Buckeyes were trailing 21-7 at halftime, but scored two unanswered touchdowns to tie the score early in the fourth quarter.
After Hodges’ score, Barrett and the offense failed to sustain a drive into Virginia Tech territory until their final possession, which ended with Riley’s pick-six.