College football

ACC: Cavs still in the thick of things

ATLANTA - Alvin Pearman scored two touchdowns and Virginia came up with four key turnovers, leading the Cavaliers 30-10 over Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Virginia kept alive its hopes of at least sharing the conference title, though the Cavaliers still are a longshot to claim the league's spot in the BCS.

Pearman scored Virginia's first touchdown on a 6-yard run late in the first quarter, and finished off the Yellow Jackets with a 1-yard plunge in the opening minute of the fourth.

Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball fumbled once and threw two interceptions, both of which were picked off in the end zone by Marcus Hamilton.

CLEMSON 29, S. CAROLINA 7: Lou Holtz's final regular-season game for South Carolina was one he'll probably want to forget. Reggie Merriweather had three touchdowns and a career-high 125 yards to lead the host Tigers.

The 67-year-old Holtz told his team Thursday he would retire after this season, reportedly clearing the way for Steve Spurrier to take over in 2005. The official announcement about Holtz is expected Monday. Several Gamecocks said the coach told them in the meeting Spurrier is coming to Columbia.

Holtz had pointed to this game since November 2003 when the Gamecocks fell 63-17. He said it was the most embarrassed he'd ever been and vowed it would not happen again. Instead, he lost to the Gamecocks' in-state rival for the fifth time in six seasons. The Gamecocks didn't get a first down until 10:37 was left in the second quarter. They punted nine times.

UNC 40, DUKE 17: Chad Scott rushed for 144 yards and scored two touchdowns to help visiting North Carolina become bowl eligible for the first time in three years. After the game, UNC officials said coach John Bunting will receive a two-year extension, giving him five more years at his alma mater.

[Last modified November 21, 2004, 00:16:21]