COL FB: West Va. 38, Ga. Tech 35

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Patrick White passed for two TDs and ran for one Monday as No. 13 West Virginia beat Georgia Tech, 38-35, in the Gator Bowl.

White was 9-of-15 for 131 yards and rushed for 145 yards for the Mountaineers (11-2), who overcame an 18-point deficit to get their first Gator Bowl victory in six tries.

West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton started despite nursing a thigh injury, but pulled himself out of the game at half time. Owen Schmitt rushed for 109 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Taylor Bennett was 19-of-29 for 326 yards with three touchdowns for Georgia Tech (9-5), which finished its season with three straight losses.

Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson had nine catches for 186 yards and a pair of TDs in defeat. Tashard Choice rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets.

West Virginia trailed 35-17 in the second half then scored the next 21 points.