Tech tailback Ryan Williams runs by redshirt freshman linebacker Sean Fisher Williams finished the game with 107 yards and a touchdown.
Nebraska, automatically taking over on downs, was able to put together a drive that lasted all of 23 seconds, with the Hokies killing the clock three times with all of their remaining timeouts. With one minute, 51 seconds left, the Cornhuskers punted on fourth and one at Tech's 37-yard line, giving the Hokies new life and the opportunity they seized for the win.
"When you have great players on the field and have worked as hard and care about each other as much as this crowd does, that is what makes this possible," Tech head coach Frank Beamer said.
Nebraska's Lee, who came into the contest ranked seventh in the country in passing efficiency, completed 11 of the 30 passes he attempted, throwing for 136 yards and two interceptions. Saturday's contest was Nebraska's first in its past twenty in which the team failed to pass for at least 200 yards.
Junior running back Roy Helu, Jr. carried the ball 28 times for 169 yards. Four of his rushes were for 20 yards or more.
Defensively, much-heralded senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is currently projected by NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper to be the fifth player selected overall next April, recorded eight tackles, including one for a loss and 0.5 sacks. He set a new program record for most pass breakups by a defensive lineman in a game with four.
"I take my hat off to Virginia Tech," Pelini said. "It was a hard-fought football game. In the end, we had plenty of opportunities to put that football game away, and we didn't do it. And they made the play at the end."
In addition to his one score in the first half, Williams rushed 21 times on the day for 107 yards.
"I'm very comfortable at the starting tailback position now," Williams said. "Once my ankle gets to be 100 percent, I feel like I'll get even better. I'll be able to show what I'm really all about as a running back. I'll bring more excitement and bigger plays to the table."
Taylor completed 12 of 27 passes, throwing for 192 yards, 92 of which came on the final drive.
"There's always a chance if you've got a Tyrod," Beamer said.
With the win, Tech, now 2-1, moves up two spots to No. 11 in the AP Top 25 poll. Nebraska, also now 2-1, falls six spots to No. 25 with the loss.
Tech's opponents do not get any easier next week as it faces the No. 9 University of Miami Hurricanes in Lane Stadium at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
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