Associated Press
CHARLOTTESVILLE ó All week long, the chatter about Virginia being on the rise left out an important fact in the mind of Virginia Techís players: They were still the best in the commonwealth until proven otherwise.
The No. 6 Hokies showed they were tops Saturday night, blanking the No. 24 Cavaliers 38-0, their first shutout loss at home in 172 games ó since a 55-0 defeat to Clemson on Sept. 8, 1984.
ěThe guys definitely took it as a slap in the face. Itís kind of been our way, the rivalry, for the past couple years and nobody was talking about us,î Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas said after throwing for two touchdowns and running for another. ěThey were all talking about Virginia and how good Virginia was going to play against us and how they were going to do.î
David Wilson added two second-half touchdown runs for the Hokies, who led 14-0 at the break and drove 79 yards with the opening series of the third quarter, and then let their defense do the rest.
Virginia, which came in averaging better than 177 rushing yards, finished with 30 on 26 carries. Former West Rowan star K.P. Parks was held to 17 yards on seven carries.
The Cavs had just 241 yards overall, and quarterback Michael Rocco was sacked four times and intercepted twice.
ěI felt like we didnít receive any respect in our home state after all weíve done, and we went out there and made a statement,î defensive end James Gayle said after registering two of the sacks.
ěWe werenít getting respect, so we went out there and took it.î
And the Hokies (11-1, 7-1 ACC) earned the leagueís Coastal Division title and a rematch with No. 18 Clemson in next weekendís ACC championship game in Charlotte. They suffered their only loss, 23-3 against the Tigers on Oct. 1, and were eager for a rematch.
ěEverybody wants it,î Thomas said. ěWe know that we didnít play our best ball that day.î
Nope, they saved that for their state rivals, and beat them for the eighth time in a row and 12th time in the last 13 meetings. They will be seeking their fourth league championship in five years.