Belk Bowl, Arkansas vs Virginia Tech: Highlights, score and recap
Recapping the 2016 Belk Bowl between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday evening from Charlotte.
The Virginia Tech Hokies erased a 24-point halftime deficit with an inspired defensive effort to win the 2016 Belk Bowl 35-24 over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday night at Bank of America Stadium.
Virginia Tech, which entered as a touchdown favorite, looked unprepared from the get go and fumbled the first offensive snap of the game, although Arkansas quickly went three-and-out and only managed a field goal. That advantage would last until late in the first quarter, when the Razorbacks pushed the lead to 10-0 on Austin Allen’s quarterback sneak to cap off a 90-yard drive.
Arkansas’ defense, which was really shaky at times this season, held the Hokies twice deep in its own territory while putting some major pressure on Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans. Virginia Tech committed two turnovers in the opening quarter, including a Ryan Pulley interception to end a promising drive with a minute to go on an uncharacteristically bad throw from Evans.
The lead was stretched to 17-0 two plays later, as Allen tossed a 28-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Cheyenne O’Grady, who was replacing the suspended Jeremy Sprinkle at tight end. The domination would continue for the rest of the first half, as Allen recorded his third touchdown to put the Razorbacks up 24-0.
It was a major surprise to see the Hokies get run over on the trenches on both sides of the ball, which didn’t allow Evans to generate any splash plays to his strong trio of wide receivers. Arkansas’ offensive line had perhaps its best half of the season, as Allen threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 pass attempts. Still, the Razorbacks had massive issues after halftime all season long with a -68 point differential, so the game wasn’t nearly over yet.
Needing something positive to happen early in the half, the Hokies defense came out motivated and looked like an entirely different unit. The Razorbacks fumbled the ball and threw two interceptions within a span of 11 snaps in the third, allowing Virginia Tech to climb back into the game down 24-21 on three short Evans’ touchdowns heading into the fourth.
With improved pass protection, Evans picked apart the Razorbacks on short passes throughout the second half. Travon McMillian rumbled through the Arkansas defense to finish another long drive, putting Virginia Tech up 28-24 with 12 minutes to go, the first Hokies lead of the game.
On the other side, Allen was running for his life on every drop back and was sacked six times in the second half, while the normally productive Razorbacks rushing attack had 36 yards for the entire game. Terrell Edmunds intercepted Allen deep in Arkansas territory with under seven minutes to go, and Evans would run it in shortly after to give Virginia Tech a 35-24 lead.
The score would hold there to give Virginia Tech its first 10-win season since 2011. Justin Fuente and Bud Foster did a terrific job of adjusting at the break, particularly in the trenches, while Bret Bielema will be left wondering what happened in yet another second half meltdown.
Highlights
Three Stars
3. Jerod Evans, QB, Virginia Tech. Shook off tough first half with help from his offensive line, tallying four touchdowns after the break.
2. Anthony Shegog, S, Virginia Tech. Keyed Virginia Tech’s frenzied turnaround by forcing a fumble and recording an interception within the first 10 minutes of the third quarter.
1. Mook Reynolds, S, Virginia Tech. Seemed to be involved on every defensive play in the second half with relentless pass rush and solid coverage down the field.
Next Season
The Hokies should contend for an ACC title as Fuente gets more comfortable, while Bielema could be on the hot seat if there’s no improvement.