Virginia Tech rallies to beat Georgia Tech, 23-21

Virginia Tech gave Coach Frank Beamer his first retirement gift, rallying from an early 14-point deficit to beat Georgia Tech, 23-21, on Thursday night and move a step closer to becoming eligible for a 23rd straight bowl appearance.

After the Yellow Jackets fumbled it away on two straight possessions in the fourth quarter, the Hokies (5-5, 3-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) grabbed their first lead on Travon McMillian’s second touchdown, a four-yard run with 6:58 remaining.

Beamer, who is retiring at the end of the season, can go out with the nation’s longest active bowl streak if the Hokies win one of their last two games.

Georgia Tech (3-7, 1-6) added another bitter defeat to its disappointing season. The Yellow Jackets have dropped seven of their last eight games and are assured of a losing record, likely ending their own streak of 18 straight bowls.

South Alabama tops La.-Lafayette

E.J. May made a late interception to set up Xavier Johnson’s go-ahead 16-yard touchdown run with 3:32 left and South Alabama beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 32-25, on Thursday night.

South Alabama increased its lead to 24-13 early in the fourth quarter on a trick play. Wide receiver Gerald Everett took a pitch from running back Dami Ayoola and found quarterback Cody Clements wide open in the end zone for a seven-yard score.

Lafayette answered with Jamal Robinson’s 45-yard touchdown reception and, seven plays later, Savion Brown returned an interception 85 yards to give the Ragin’ Cajuns a 25-24 lead.

But after Johnson’s touchdown, Lafayette turned it over on downs at its 34 with 2:46 remaining and South Alabama ran out the clock.

Cody Clements threw for 281 yards and had two total touchdowns for South Alabama (5-4, 3-2 Sun Belt).

Robinson had 10 catches for a career-high 188 yards for Louisiana Lafayette (4-5, 3-2).

Etc.

Wake Forest says starting defensive tackle Josh Banks has been suspended from the team for the final three games of the season for a violation of undisclosed team rules. … Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher has named Everett Golson the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against North Carolina State. … Wisconsin running back Corey Clement cut his hand after getting involved in an argument at his off-campus apartment building. … Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly says running back C.J. Prosise took part in football activities during practice in his return from a concussion but hasn’t been cleared to play when the Irish face Wake Forest on Saturday.