North Carolina kickoff return for touchdown ends Virginia Tech's streak

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The last time Virginia Tech gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown, Sean Tapley was 2 years old. It was the North Carolina sophomore who ended the Hokies' streak on Saturday.

The host Tar Heels trailed early at Kenan Stadium after giving up a touchdown in the first three minutes of the game. But on the Hokies' kickoff after the score, Tapley broke through the crowd at midfield and to the home sideline to tie the game at 7-7 with his 94-yard touchdown.

In recording his first career kickoff return for a score, Tapley ended the longest active NCAA streak. The Hokies had gone 237 games, dating back to a win over Syracuse on Nov. 13, 1993, without giving up a touchdown on a kickoff.

Tapley came into the game averaging 21.6 yards on seven returns this year with a season-long return of 31 yards. As a freshman, his best return was 36 yards.

The return was one of several big plays for the Tar Heels, who went on to defeat the Hokies 48-34.