JT Daniels, defense lead West Virginia to dominant win at Virginia Tech

Associated Press
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 11:42 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 11:42 p.m.

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Virginia Tech defensive back Jalen Stroman (26) grabs the face mask of West Virginia running back Tony Mathis Jr. (24) during the first half Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Blacksburg, Va.

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Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells (6) gets past West Virginia safety Davis Mallinger (27) during the first half Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Blacksburg, Va.

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Virginia Tech wide receiver Kaleb Smith (80) hauls in a touchdown pass in front of West Virginia cornerback Wesley McCormick (11) during the first half Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Blacksburg, Va.

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West Virginia running back Justin Johnson Jr. (26) scores a touchdown during the second half against Virginia Tech on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Blacksburg, Va.

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West Virginia wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (0) attempts to catch a pass as Virginia Tech’s Dorian Strong (44) defends during the first half Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Blacksburg, Va.

BLACKSBURG, Va. — JT Daniels threw for 203 yards and a touchdown to lead West Virginia to a 33-10 win over Virginia Tech on Thursday night.

Freshman CJ Donaldson rushed for 106 yards, and West Virginia (2-2) got a strong performance from its defense to win its second straight game after losing the first two.

The Mountaineers, who beat Virginia Tech for the second consecutive season, scored on five straight possessions spanning the first and second half. Daniels’ 24-yard touchdown pass to Sam James with 11 seconds left in the first half gave the Mountaineers a 13-7 lead, and they never trailed again.

The Hokies (2-2) closed within 16-10 on a field goal by Will Ross with 4:19 left in the third quarter. West Virginia answered, scoring on a 6-yard run by Justin Johnson Jr. with 14:13 left in the game. The Hokies had West Virginia stopped twice on the drive, but personal foul penalties on Norell Pollard and Dax Hollifield kept the drive alive.

Penalties hindered the Hokies all night. They committed 15 for 132 yards.

The Mountaineers play at Texas on Oct. 1.