Hokies mount late rally to beat Louisville, win Gator Bowl

By John Onan  |   Monday, January 02, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The 12th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies overcame three quarters of shoddy play, featuring numerous frustration-induced penalties and even the ejection of All-American cornerback Jimmy Williams for bumping a referee, to rally for three consecutive touchdowns in the fourth quarter to defeat #15 Louisville Cardinals 35-24 in the Gator Bowl.

The Cardinals jumped out to an early 14-3 lead behind the arm of back up quarterback Hunter Cantwell, who started again for Brian Brohm. Brohm tore his MCL late in the season, after putting up impressive numbers in his sophomore year.

But, in the second half, the tide would turn on Cantwell, who'd turn the ball over four times on the afternoon. He finished 15-of-36 for 215 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, and took a beating in the process.

Down 24-13 after Cantwell connected with Gary Barnidge on a 29 yard scoring strike, Hokies signal-caller Marcus Vick would lead his team on consecutive drives which resulted in touchdowns. Running back Cedric Humes would finish off the first with a 24 yard run, and then a few minutes later, Vick would toss a five-yard score to Jeff King.

Humes carried 22 times on the day for 112 yards and Vick went 11-of-21 for 204 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Louisville found themselves behind for the first time of the day 28-24 and took possession. But, James Anderson picked off Cantwell and ran it back 39 yards to seal the win.
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