Virginia Tech found a way to win a game today – that I didn’t think the Hokies would win last year.
If you recall, Virginia Tech got a HUGE win last Thursday night vs. Pittsburgh – and in the process, scorched some demons (Virginia Tech had not won at Pittsburgh since 1999).
In prior years after a big win like the Hokies had last week, I might have expected a let down and a loss. That did not happen today as Virginia Tech won a close, ugly game by the score of 24-21. The Hokies run defense was shredded for 227 yards, but was saved by 275 total yards in offense from Jerod Evans (he’s making a case to be the ACC’s newcomer of the year).
The game did, however, feature some old-fashioned Beamer Ball (h/t @NormWood):
Adonis Alexander produced the biggest play of the first half via special teams to give Virginia Tech the lead for good. He returned a block field goal 75 yards for a touchdown with 12:40 left in the second quarter to put Virginia Tech up 14-7.
Virginia Tech’s Greg Stroman got his hand on A.J. Reed’s 34-yard field goal attempt, leading to the Hokies’ first return of a blocked fied goal for a touchdown in 11 years. Stroman would eventually leave the game late in the second quarter after sustaining a right ankle injury while fielding a punt. He didn’t return.
Virginia Tech has played the last 4 of its 5 games on the road – and has not had a Saturday home game for a LONG time. During this timespan, the Hokies have take only one loss vs. Syracuse.
If you’re not playing your best game – and you still come out with a win, that says something about this Hokies team.
Virginia Tech closes its season with Georgia Tech at home (I expect nothing less than an electric atmosphere), Notre Dame on the road, and Virginia at home – the Hokies are in the driver’s seat for the ACC Coastal Division title, an appearance in the ACC Championship Game, and a ten-win season.
Kudos to Justin Fuente, Bud Foster, and this Hokies football team.
