Blacksburg, Va. ? Bryan Randall knew Marcus Vick’s debut as his backup would get lots of attention Sunday. He also felt ready to leave no doubt about his status as No. 9 Virginia Tech’s starter.

Randall gave Vick a tension-free stage by leading the Hokies to touchdowns on their first three drives and later threw a clutch scoring pass as Virginia Tech beat Central Florida, 49-28, in its season opener.

“I probably felt the most comfortable since I’ve been here for this game,” Randall said after completing 22 of 28 passes for 278 yards.

“I realize the situation that I’m in. I’ve got a good backup in Marcus, and he’s here to push me, trying to take my job,” he said. “At the same time, I know I’ve got to keep improving.”

Randall’s fast start and an 80-yard scoring drive led by Vick in his first series gave the Hokies a 28-0 lead.

“It felt great just to be out there and finally be a full college player,” Vick said after finishing 7-for-10 for 102 yards. “I wasn’t nervous. I was ready to do what the defense gave me and just take it.”

By the time Vick trotted onto the field to a rousing welcome from the largest crowd in Hokies history, 65,115, Randall was 12-for-14 for 169 yards, and he’d thrown one pass away.