Syracuse 50, Virginia Tech 42 (3OT)

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Freshman Damien Rhodes scored on a 25-yard run on the first play of the third overtime period Saturday as Syracuse handed seventh-ranked Virginia Tech its second straight loss, 50-42, in a wild Big East Conference matchup.

After Virginia Tech's Carter Warley missed potential winning field goals at the end of the fourth quarter and the first overtime, Rhodes raced untouched to the end zone to break a 42-42 tie. He also took a pitch, reversed his field and sneaked in for the two-point conversion.

On the next play, Bryan Randall threw into a double coverage and was intercepted by safety Maurice McClain.

The mistake spoiled an otherwise spectacular afternoon and early evening for Randall, who completed 23 of 35 passes for 504 yards and five touchdowns. Ernest Wilford had eight catches and set school records with 279 yards and four scores.

Rhodes came on midway through the fourth quarter after Walter Reyes suffered a right knee injury and carried 17 times for 67 yards and a pair of scores. Reyes totaled 118 yards and three touchdowns on 21 rushes.

Troy Nunes passed for 403 yards and forced a third overtime with a six-yard touchdown toss to tight end Joe Donnelly on fourth and three.

Warley could have avoided overtime but was short on a 46-yard field goal attempt with 13 seconds left in regulation. He also was wide right with a 36-yarder at the end of the first extra possession.