Grunkemeyer and Brown help Virginia Tech withstand Georgia Tech rally

Virginia Tech built a three-touchdown halftime lead, watched Georgia Tech cut it to seven in a hurry, then found the play it needed from Jeffrey Overton Jr.

Ethan Grunkemeyer's 26-yard touchdown pass to Overton halted the Yellow Jackets' comeback in the third quarter, and the Hokies held on for a 34-24 home victory Saturday. Grunkemeyer threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score as Virginia Tech ended a two-game losing streak.

The Hokies improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the ACC. Georgia Tech dropped to 2-4 and 1-2, unable to turn a productive afternoon from Alberto Mendoza into a second consecutive conference victory.

Brown helps build the cushion

Que'Sean Brown caught six passes for 182 yards and a touchdown, with the scoring play coming on a 60-yard catch-and-run on Virginia Tech's third snap. The opening strike put Georgia Tech behind before its offense had taken the field.

The Yellow Jackets nearly answered, but Trelain Maddox fumbled near the goal line and the ball went through the end zone for a touchback. Virginia Tech followed with another touchdown drive, finished by Grunkemeyer's 20-yard run.

The Hokies' official highlights include Brown's opening score and the response to Georgia Tech's rally:

Georgia Tech managed a field goal after a muffed punt, but Virginia Tech kept finding Brown downfield. Grunkemeyer connected with Ja'Ricous Hairston for a 5-yard touchdown, and John Love added a 39-yard field goal after a Mendoza interception. The Hokies led 24-3 at halftime.

Overton changes the direction again

Maddox burst through for a 42-yard touchdown on the opening possession of the second half. Georgia Tech's defense then forced a punt, and Mendoza hit Dalen Penson for a 33-yard touchdown with 12:01 left in the third quarter. A 21-point deficit had become a one-score game.

Virginia Tech's next possession also ended in a punt, but Georgia Tech could not capitalize. The Hokies regained their footing on the following drive, which ended when Overton took Grunkemeyer's pass 26 yards to the end zone for a 31-17 lead.

Brown later returned a punt 63 yards to help set up Love's 24-yard field goal. Mendoza's 6-yard touchdown pass to Jaiven Plummer brought Georgia Tech within 10 with 5:20 remaining, but Virginia Tech kept the ball for the rest of the game.

Mendoza finished 29 of 38 for a career-high 335 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. Jordan Allen caught 10 passes for 120 yards. Georgia Tech outgained Virginia Tech 428-409, yet its two turnovers and missed opportunities left it chasing the score throughout.

Overton supplied 85 rushing yards and three catches for 29 yards in addition to his touchdown. The Hokies now head to Clemson next Saturday after a win that required both their explosive opening and a steadier response when the lead began to shrink.