Colleges

New kicker helps BC beat No. 22 Hokies

By TIMES WIRES
Published October 13, 2006

BOSTON - Steve Aponavicius walked onto the field for the first game of his life Thursday and helped Boston College to a 22-3 victory over No. 22 Virginia Tech.

The soccer convert, a little shaky figuring out how to put on his shoulder pads, was perfect on two field goals and two extra points, and BC (5-1, 2-1 ACC) forced four turnovers.

Virginia Tech (4-2, 2-2) had 21 yards in the second half and was held without a touchdown for the first time since the 1998 Gator Bowl. It has lost two straight.

Matt Ryan was 16-for-29 for 174 yards and two touchdowns despite limping through much of the second half on a previously injured ankle. Kevin Challenger caught two touchdown passes and freshman Alex Albright contributed to two turnovers, tipping a pass that was intercepted and recovering a fumble.

Called "Sid Vicious" by teammates and coaches who can't pronounce his name (it's AH-pah-nah-VIH-chis), Aponavicius played soccer in high school. He was elevated to starter when Ryan Ohliger was suspended.

NO. 12 CLEMSON 63, TEMPLE 9: James Davis ran for 138 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries - all in the first half - and the Tigers won big in Charlotte, N.C.

C.J. Spiller added 73 yards rushing and two scores and Will Proctor threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers (6-1), who scored touchdowns on their first nine possessions.

The Owls (0-7) extended the nation's longest losing streak to 19.

AIR FORCE 24, COLO. ST. 21: Shaun Carney rallied the host Falcons (3-2, 3-0 Mountain West) with three second-half touchdown drives. Damon Morton's 83-yard reception from Caleb Hanie set up a touchdown just before halftime that gave Colorado State (4-2, 1-1) a 21-3 lead.

FAU 32, S. UTAH 7: Sean Clayton threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns for the host Owls (2-4).

Notre Dame: Defensive end Ronald Talley has decided to leave the team after starting four games. The school said the decision was mutually agreed upon.

SMU: Quarterback Justin Willis was reinstated a week after the redshirt freshman was suspended for fighting at an off-campus party. It was not clear whether Willis will play Saturday against Marshall.

Wake Forest: Quarterback Ben Mauk had arthroscopic surgery to repair his injured right shoulder and is on track for a three-month rehabilitation process. He broke his right arm and dislocated the shoulder in the opener against Syracuse when he dove after a fumble.

[Last modified October 13, 2006, 06:08:47]