Ball gets Jackets rolling

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- The memory of getting blown out at Virginia Tech simmered for Georgia Tech all year.

Now, the Hokies know how it feels.

Reggie Ball and the No. 24 Yellow Jackets made their second consecutive visit to Lane Stadium a huge success yesterday, jumping out to a big lead and beating the 11th-ranked Hokies, 38-27, at their own disruptive game.

The Yellow Jackets (4-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) used a blocked punt to set up a 25-yard touchdown drive, then scored on defense, too -- a 38-yard fumble return.

It looked similar to last year's game between the Techs, won by the Hokies, 51-7, except this time it was the visitors who had the upper hand all the way.

A sea of fans clad in orange and maroon filled Lane Stadium, but the Yellow Jackets quickly silenced them, taking a 21-0 lead before the game was 11 minutes old. The first drive covered 80 yards in five plays, starting with a 59-yard pass to wide open James Johnson and ending with Ball's 2-yard pass to Calvin Johnson.

After the Hokies punted, the Yellow Jackets went 62 yards in three plays. Ball ran 9 yards on a keeper, then hit Calvin Johnson with a short pass and the big receiver turned it into a 53-yard touchdown down the right side.

After another three-and-out by the Hokies, Georgia Tech's Troy Garside blocked Nic Schmitt's punt, setting the Yellow Jackets up at Virginia Tech's 25. Tashard Choice made it 21-0 with a 5-yard run.

The Hokies (4-1, 2-1) got back in it on a 26-yard scoring run by Branden Ore and two field goals that made it 21-13, but the Yellow Jackets responded with a 22-yard field goal just before halftime. Only two fourth-quarter touchdowns by the Hokies made the final score look closer.