No. 3 Hokies Fall, 28-7

Quincy Wilson rushed for a season-high 178 yards Wednesday night to lead West Virginia to a 28-7 victory over No. 3 Virginia Tech, casting a cloud over the Hokies’ national-title hopes and setting off a wild celebration by Mountaineer fans.

Virginia Tech never crossed midfield in the second half in suffering its worst defeat since a 38-7 setback to Pittsburgh on Nov. 3, 2001.

“They took it to us,” Coach Frank Beamer said.

The Hokies (6-1, 2-1 Big East) trailed only Oklahoma and Miami in the first bowl championship series standings.

Police used pepper spray on fans who tried to tear down the goal posts.

“We can’t breathe. We’re hacking up our lungs, but it was worth it,” said Brad Anderson of Chester, W.Va.

Coach Rich Rodriguez had to get on the public address system 30 minutes after the game to ask fans to clear the field.

Officials had spent two days before the game removing garbage and couches from front porches in an effort to reduce bonfires, but four such fires were reported.

The Mountaineers (3-4, 2-1) nearly upset Miami on Oct. 2, but lost, 22-20.