With an extra week to practice, it wasn't totally shocking that Virginia's defense was prepared for Georgia Tech's options on Saturday in Charlottesville.

But the Cavaliers, who now await N.C. State, also had some offensive surprises in their 24-21 upset win.

Mike London's staff used the extra practice time to beef up the rushing attack by turning to a committee formula and revamping some blocking schemes.

Three tailbacks - freshmen Kevin Parks and Clifton Richardson and junior Perry Jones - split playing time and combined for 262 yards rushing.

"Fresh legs made a big difference for us," London said.

London's second Virginia team, now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC, needed to create some excitement.

In perfect weather against an undefeated, nationally 12th-ranked opponent and on homecoming, less than 48,000 fans were in 61,500-seat Scott Stadium.

Several hundred of those fans stormed the field to celebrate the first meaty win of the season. The three previous were over William & Mary, Indiana and Idaho (in overtime) and London's first team went 4-8 (1-7 ACC) in 2010.

State (3-3, 0-2) hasn't faced Virginia since winning 29-24 in 2007 in Raleigh.

In desperate need of a decent win, the Wolfpack could be catching the Wahoos at a good time in spite of their impressive performance against Georgia Tech.

While the UVa runners are hot, redshirt sophomore quarterback Michael Rocco has thrown eight interceptions and only three touchdowns passes. He had one of each against the Jackets and was relieved for a while by freshman David Watford, whose 47.3 completion percentage is among the lowest in the league.

And while the Cavs lead the ACC in pass defense, they haven't faced a competitive air attack since UNC's Bryn Renner went 15-for-21 for 143 yards, two touchdown passes and no interceptions on Sept. 17.

State's Mike Glennon has thrown for 16 TDs with only four interceptions. Six of his receivers have at least 10 catches.

With a game at Florida State next, the Pack needs to return from the road with at least a 4-4 record for a stretch run that includes three home games - UNC, Clemson and Maryland - and a management trip to Boston College.

If State is 3-5 entering the Nov. 5 game against UNC, it's going to be difficult for Tom O'Brien's fifth team to land a bowl bid in a season when an 8-4 record seemed likely.

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