BLACKSBURG -- Perhaps for the first time in Lane Stadium's long history, there was a family reunion on the field after a football game Saturday afternoon.

Minutes after No. 3 Virginia Tech's 41-14 victory over Marshall, there was a Royal affair that included Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal, Marshall free safety Chris Royal, their sister Christina Royal and their mother Pearl Royal.

"Chris and I just told each other, 'good game,' that we loved each other. Then my Mom and my sister came down and there were a lot more hugs and congratulations," Eddie said.

"And you know, Chris was still talking trash about the interception he got, so the trash-talking never really stops."

For all of the pregame hype, the two brothers met only twice on the field. Chris was credited with a tackling assist on a 12-yard reception by Eddie midway through the second quarter. The next time the two hooked up was on the sideline after a play in the third quarter, when Chris drew a 15-yard personal foul for a late push of his brother.

"Me and Josh Hyman double-teamed him [on a block] and he didn't really like that," Eddie said. "Toward the end of the play, he wanted to get in one more push, and [the referee] really didn't like that.

"The ref said he almost let it go because we were brothers, we were just fighting like normal. It felt good to egg him on and get a penalty."

Chris Royal's big claim to fame for the day was his interception of a tipped Marcus Vick pass in the second quarter. Officials on the field ruled the Thundering Herd safety dropped the ball, but the decision was overturned by the replay official.

So who won the Royal Rumble? Eddie gave the nod to big brother.

"He got the interception ... the equivalent to an interception probably would have been a touchdown, so he probably got the upper hand," Eddie said. "But it's a team game. We won, so I'm on top."

Turnover story

Chris Royal's pick of Vick marked the Tech quarterback's second interception of the season -- they're Tech's only turnovers this season. Neither, however, have been turned into points by Tech foes.

The Hokies had two takeaways -- linebacker Vince Hall's fumble recovery for a TD and Justin Hamilton's first career interception -- to run their season total to 14.

They've turned those into 63 points.

By the numbers

Hall's 15-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the third quarter was Tech's 50th defensive TD since 1999, including five this season. Only Miami (53) has more non-offensive TDs in the same span. ... Tech is 53-8 in games it scores at least one TD on defense or special teams since 1993. ... Tech's Brandon Pace nailed field goals of 19 and 23 yards and has now made nine straight field-goal attempts. ... Punter Nic Schmitt unloaded a career-best 65-yarder punt that was downed on the Marshall 1-yard line early in the first quarter. ... Tech has scored in all 24 quarters of play this season.

On deck

After playing six games in six weeks to open the season, the Hokies will have the next four days off before resuming practice for their Thursday, Oct. 20, game at Maryland. The Terrapins (4-2) won their third straight game Saturday, beating Temple, 38-7, in Philadelphia.

Tech tidbits

Redshirt freshman Brandon Flowers made his first college start, replacing Roland Minor at Tech's field cornerback spot. Minor, who came off the bench to play a lot in the game, didn't start because of academic reasons. ... Danny McGrath made his second start at center, with Will Montgomery moving from center to left guard in place of Reggie Butler. ... Freshman defensive end William Wall has been dismissed from all football-related activities until he gets his academics in order.