Backup QB LaRussa Shocks No. 13 Hokies
Throws For 495 Yards, 4 TDs In Major Upset
NORFOLK, Va. — Blake LaRussa came off the bench to throw for 495 yards and four touchdowns to lead Old Dominion to a 49-35 upset of No. 13 Virginia Tech on Saturday in the Hokies’ first game at the cross-state school that restarted its football program in 2009.
“At night when you dream about this game, this is what you picture,” Monarchs wide receiver Travis Fulgham said.
LaRussa, who entered the game on ODU’s second series, completed 30 of 49 and rushed for a touchdown to lead the underdog Monarchs (1-3) to a stunning win over the Hokies (2-1) from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Jeremy Cox’s 40-yard touchdown run with 1:34 remaining sealed the biggest win in program history. After the game, the ODU faithful stormed the field.
The Hokies (2-1) led 28-21 after a 72-yard touchdown pass from Josh Jackson to Damon Hazelton with 32 seconds left in the third quarter, but ODU scored on its next two possessions, taking a 35-28 lead on a 15-yard touchdown run by Cox with 9:57 to go — the Monarchs first lead of the game.
Things got worse for Virginia Tech, as Jackson went down with a lower leg injury on the first play of the ensuing drive. Backup quarterback Ryan Willis led the Hokies on a 75-yard march that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Chris Cunningham with 7:15 remaining, tying the game at 35.
But the Hokies simply had no answer for ODU. LaRussa polished off a 75yard drive with a beautiful 29-yard fade pattern to Jonathan Duhart for a touch- down with 5:11 left that was the game winner.
Led by LaRussa and Cox, ODU finished with 632 yards of offense against a Virginia Tech team that has prided itself on defense for decades under coordinator Bud Foster. Cox rushed for 130 yards.
Steven Peoples paced the Hokies with a career-high 156 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Jackson threw two touchdown passes before leaving with the injury.
The Monarchs next travel to the AAC’s East Carolina.