BLACKSBURG, Va. - Marcus Vick threw for 280 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers, and No. 3 Virginia Tech won its 11th consecutive game on a Thursday by defeating No. 13 Boston College 30-10.
The Eagles dropped to 3-2 in the ACC Atlantic, making a berth in the conference title game nearly a given for first-place Florida State. Other teams could catch FSU, but Boston College was the Seminoles' main competition, and FSU has a 4-1 ACC mark with two conference games left and would win a tiebreaker over the Eagles.
Vick completed 22 of 28 passes a week after throwing three interceptions in a win over Maryland. Brandon Pace added three short field goals for the Hokies, who have not lost a Thursday night game since 1995. Boston College came in allowing 78 rushing yards per game and the Hokies got 212 using a backfield by committee.
S. ILLINOIS 31, W. KENTUCKY 20: The visiting Salukis trailed 13-7 late in the third quarter before reeling off 24 straight points en route to upsetting the top-ranked Division 1-AA Hilltoppers. It was Southern Illinois' first win against a No. 1 team in school history. Running back Arkee Whitlock had touchdown runs of 1, 11 and 45 yards, amassing 207 yards on 33 carries.
Whitlock's 11-yarder with 2:33 left in the third quarter put the Salukis on top to stay at 14-13.
Illinois on probation
The NCAA placed Illinois on probation for one year because a booster improperly provided payments and other benefits to a football prospect.
The offenses were a major violation of NCAA rules, occurring between April 2003 and January 2004.
An athletic booster provided lodging, transportation and use of a vehicle and paid the prospect for work he never performed, said Gene Marsh, chairman of the NCAA's infractions committee.
Major violations generally draw a minimum penalty of two years probation but the committee chose a lesser penalty because the university has a good record of rules compliance, reported the infraction and cooperated in the investigation, he said. The probation does not affect future football scholarships or bowl eligibility.
VOLS TO HONOR MANNING: NFL quarterback Peyton Manning returns to his alma mater this weekend for a ceremony to retire the No. 16 he wore at Tennessee.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Syvelle Newton had surgery to reattach the Achilles' tendon he tore in last week's win over Vanderbilt, and doctors hope he can play next fall.
YALE: The school is banning drinking games from this year's football game against Harvard and will shut down all tailgate parties after halftime.
