Motley overcomes mistakes to lead Hokies past Purdue 51-24

Updated: Sep 20, 2015, 06:07 am

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Quarterback Brenden Motley threw for two scores, ran for another and nearly caught a touchdown pass to help Virginia Tech get past Purdue 51-24 on Saturday.

The Hokies (2-1) have won two straight since Motley replaced injured starter Michael Brewer, and coach Frank Beamer broke a tie with Paul "Bear" Bryant for the seventh most wins at one school in Football Bowl Subdivision history. Beamer is now tied with former Nevada coach Chris Ault at No. 6 with 233 wins.

Motley was not perfect.

Though he finished 15 of 23 for 220 yards, he also fumbled three times.

Purdue (1-2) took a 14-10 second-quarter lead on Danny Ezechukwu's 90-yard fumble return and tied the score at 17 late in the first half.

But Virginia Tech scored 24 straight points to put the game away.

Boilermakers quarterback Austin Appleby finished 9 of 28 for 110 yards with two interceptions before being pulled late.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org