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Oct 27, 2001
Final Stats | Video Highlights
By DAVID DROSCHAK
AP Sports Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. – Ray Robinson ran for a season-high 105 yards and scoredtwo touchdowns in North Carolina State’s 21-point third quarter as the Wolfpackbeat slumping Virginia 24-0 Saturday.
The Wolfpack (4-3, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) broke a two-game homelosing streak and a three-game skid against the Cavaliers, going over 400 yardsof offense for the first time this season.
Virginia (3-5, 2-4) has lost four in a row after a 3-1 start in Al Groh’sfirst season.
N.C. State led 3-0 at halftime, but scored three times in a little more thansix minutes in the third quarter to take control and remain in bowl contentionin the close ACC standings.
Robinson has been fumble prone in an off senior season, but the tailbackheld on to the ball Saturday in 26 carries.
He capped N.C. State’s 84-yard drive to open the second half with a 4-yardscoring run.
Robinson gained 27 yards on the Wolfpack’s next series, pushing it over fromthe 1 as N.C. State went up 17-0. His second score gave him 27 TDs as he movedinto fourth place on the school’s career list.
The Wolfpack iced it when Brian Williams blocked the fifth punt of hiscareer and Philip Rivers scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak two secondslater.
N.C. State’s defense was also key, limiting the Cavaliers to 207 yardsthrough three quarters and then maintaining its shutout with a goal-line standearly in the fourth quarter.
It was N.C. State’s first shutout of an ACC opponent since beating Duke 16-0in 1990.
The first half was filled with wasted opportunities for both teams.
Virginia’s David Greene missed field goals of 37 and 43 yards, and had a47-yarder blocked by Terrence Holt 3{ minutes before the half.
It was the eighth block of Holt’s career and opponents are 5-for-16 onfield-goal attempts against N.C. State.
The Wolfpack managed a 22-yard field goal by Adam Kiker, but he had a44-yard attempt blocked on N.C. State’s first possession and Rivers wasintercepted by Jamaine Winborne in the end zone 15 seconds before the break.