It took longer than expected, but Virginia Tech finally got its first win of the season Saturday.

The Hokies blew open a tight contest with four second-half touchdowns and cruised to a 49-27 victory over East Carolina.

Tyrod Taylor threw for two touchdowns and David Wilson ran for two more to lead the Hokies (1-2).

Ranked in the Top 10 to start the season, the Hokies trailed for the better part of three quarters and were in danger of starting 0-3. But Wilson’s two touchdowns late in the third period gave Virginia Tech a 35-27 lead.

The Hokies’ Rashad Carmichael then intercepted a Dominique Davis pass and returned it for a 68-yard score. Three minutes later, Virginia Tech struck again with Taylor throwing a 69-yard touchdown to Jarrett Boykin.

East Carolina, which came in averaging 50 points a game, seventh-best in the nation, dropped to 2-1. The Pirates’ Dwayne Harris had a game-high 10 catches for 130 yards.

Boykin finished with 115 yards on three receptions to lead Virginia Tech.

After two sub-par games, the Hokies’ defense improved by coming up with two interceptions and three sacks. Virginia Tech allowed just three points in the second half.