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Another week, another uneven performance by the Virginia Tech offense. The Hokies got a 17-10 win over North Carolina today, but they're still frustrated by their lack of efficiency. The bright spots included that first drive, a seven-play, 70-yard masterpiece; the defense, led by Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall and Cam Martin; and punter Brent Bowden, who was strong again. Jud Dunlevy also hit a 52-yard field goal, Tech's longest since 1999.

So it's certainly not all bad. It only seems that way when we've been thinking week after week that this is going to be the day the offense puts things together. We'll have plenty on the offense in Sunday's paper. A few notes, courtesy of Tech's sports information department:

-Tyrod Taylor threw his first interception today. He'd thrown 64 interception-free passes before then.

-Eddie Royal's 53-yard run on the first play from scrimmage was a career long. His previous best was 17 yards.

-Kam Chancellor's fourth-quarter fumble recovery in the end zone was Tech's first fumble recovery this year.

-Cam Martin had three sacks, the most since William Wall equaled that total against Duke last season

-Adibi's 15 tackles were a career high

A few thoughts from coach Frank Beamer:
On the nine penalties:
"I don't like that."

On the O-line's performance:
"I thought we were better. I think we go back and look at the film. We have to say with our quarterback, 'Are you looking where you need to be looking and should the ball be getting out of there or should you be scrambling?' We're into different stuff offensively...I think there's going to be some things he can learn from and be a better quarterback at Clemson."

On getting a late stop to win it:
"What I like is their toughness. When they absolutely had to, our defense stepped up....We are not as smooth as you want. I know that, and you guys know that, too. We're just not quite as smooth as we want, but keep giving effort, and we're going to get there. We're going to be a smooth machine when this thing's over."

That's all for tonight. Check out all our coverage in Sunday's paper and at roanoke.com. We'll see you next week from Clemson.

In fact, the Panthers picked up first downs on back-to-back plays in the final 1:05 of the first quarter but they're trailing 27-0 after a 1-yard touchdon run by UVa's Cedric Peerman, capping the Cavaliers' longest drive of the first quarter, taking up 2:13.

Pittsburgh, the pregame choice of Roanoke Times sportswriter Randy King, now trails 20-0 after Jameel Sewell's third touchdown pass in just over eight minutes of the first quarter. The Panthers fumbled the kickoff following UVa's second TD and Denzel Burrell recovered for the Cavaliers at the Pitt 26.

Virginia has now scored on its first two possessions in four straight games -- seven touchdowns and one field goal. Cavs up with 9:06 remaining in the first quarter after Jameel Sewell touchdown passes to tight ends Jon Stupar and Tom Santi.

Eugene Monroe did not start at left offensive tackle; Brandon Albert moves from tackle to left guard and seldom-used fifth-year senior Gordie Sammis starts at left guard.

Can't say there's much going on here at Scott Stadium with a little more than 30 minutes remaining until game time, but No. 75, left offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is in uniform and going through pregame drills with the Cavaliers.Coach Al Groh had described Monroe as day-to-day as the result of a knee sprain suffered last Saturday in a 28-23 victory over Georgia Tech. (Can't believe the Yellow Jackets have Clemson down 13-3 in the fourth).

It was ugly at times -- quite a few times -- but Virginia Tech has held on for a 17-10 win over North Carolina. Back with more later...

Xavier Adibi's interception sets up Virginia Tech at the UNC 12, and the Hokies need just three Branden Ore runs up the middle to convert. 2:17 left in the third, Tech's up 17-3.

Orion Martin strips the ball fromUnC's Ryan Houston near the goal line. The ball pops into the end zone, where Kam Chancellor recovers for a touchback.

8:05 remaining in the third, 10-3 Hokies. Tyrod Taylor is back in the game. Sean Glennon completed his only pass attempt for 10 yards to set up Jud Dunlevy's 52-yard field goal, the longest for Tech since 1999.

Tyrod Taylor is sacked and leaves the field favoring his right leg. Sean Glennon is in.

The Hokies gained 53 yards on their first play from scrimmage, a creative, well-executed reverse to receiver Eddie Royal.

Since then, they've looked more like the team that's struggled on offense all season.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has had a tendency to throw many of his passes high today, including an attempt over the middle to tight end Sam Wheeler that was tipped and picked off near the UNC 10 and returned to midfield. Overall he's 6-for-10 for 45 yards, and he's been sacked twice.

Tech's defense has been solid, holding UNC to 103 yards. The front seven have been getting good pressure on UNC quarterback T.J. Yates, sacking him three times. They'll need more of that, because if Yates has time, these receivers will get open. On one such time, Tech was bailed out by a non-call on clear pass interference midway through the second quarter.

Xavier Adibi has been in on seven tackles already. Cam Martin's been a part of four tackles, including a sack.

Tech tailback Branden Ore had 42 yards on eight first-quarter carries, an average of 5.2 a pop. But he's had just three carries since and is sitting on 53 yards (4.8 average). Still an improvement over where he's been, and he's on pace for his first 100-yard game of the season.

The crowd here seems a little out of it. Part of that is the noon kickoff, but you also get the sense that the fans are dying for something to cheer for offensively. Not much yet, but stay tuned.