Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer reacts as he leaves the field at the conclusion of the game.
Although it holds the name Sugar Bowl, the Hokies’ will leave New Orleans with a sour — not sweet — taste in their mouths.
The Hokies came from behind to force overtime Tuesday, but ultimately fell short to the Michigan Wolverines 23-20.
On a day highlighted more by missed opportunities than by plays made, the Hokies had a chance to win the game, but the breaks seemed to go Michigan’s way all night.
“I thought we battled back, great heart,” said head coach Frank Beamer. “I’m proud of our football team and the effort and how they hung in there and battled when things didn’t look great.”
The first half was all about what the Hokies didn’t do, as they squandered numerous scoring opportunities. The Hokies out-gained the Wolverines 185-145 in the first half, yet trailed 10-6 after two late scores by Michigan.
Quarterback Logan Thomas, who finished 19-28 passing for 214 yards and one rushing touchdown, gave all the credit to Michigan when talking about the first half.
“I heard a stat that something like they're seventh in red zone defense, so gotta give them credit in that aspect,” Thomas said. “They did a great job defending us. Just couldn't pick up the short yardage when we needed to.”
Late in regulation, the Hokies faked a punt in their own territory, a call that has been questioned by many observers.
“Like I said, it was an option: run or kick,” Beamer said. “And I thought it was a good call, it was a short…it was a yard. And if they dropped off, had a little seam, we were going to go for the first.”
The turnover resulted in a field goal that put Michigan up three.
Kicker Justin Myer, filling in for the suspended Cody Journell, performed admirably in relief, connecting on four-of-five field goal attempts. His lone miss however will be what he is remembered for.
“I told him he did a heck of a job,” Beamer said. “He said he didn't quite get through that last one. But he did a nice job for us. And I liked to have seen him make the last one.”
That miss, a 37-yarder in which he pushed right, followed an extremely controversial play involving wide receiver Danny Coale.
On third and five from the 20, Thomas appeared to connect with Coale on a corner route in the end zone. The call on the field — a catch — was overturned after video evidence showed that he did not control the ball while in bounds.
“He made a great play,” Thomas said. “From the two angles we saw, I guess we thought it was a touchdown. And we couldn't see any other way, because inconclusive evidence or whatever it was, but I guess the official saw something. It’s tough…just to know that we were that close.”
After Myer’s miss, Michigan ran the ball three times before Brendan Gibbons connected for the game winning field goal.
“I'm about half sick right now,” Beamer said. “But I'm proud as can be of our players. I'm proud of how we battled back. I'm proud of what we are as a football team. It wasn't lack of effort here at all. It wasn't, again, lack of preparation. Our guys played their heart out. Just some kind of fluke plays right before the half, a couple of fluke plays.”
Running back David Wilson, who needed 28 yards entering the game to break the Virginia Tech single season rushing record, eclipsed that mark in the third quarter. The tailback will make a statement regarding his future (he’s a draft eligible junior) soon.
“I’m going to make my decision at a later date,” Wilson said.
Fellow junior Jayron Hosley, said he will be foregoing his senior season after learning of his NFL draft grade. The advisory board said he’d be a late first or second round pick.
A version of this article appeared in the Jan 4 issue of the Collegiate Times.
Leave a comment 40 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
I don't think Frank Beamer should coach special teams anymore.
Reply to this Top
Coach Beamer can never own up to his mistakes. Always "execution"........how about you suck at coaching in big games? We should have won that game 35-10. Sick.
Reply to this Top
Right. And Logan Thomas had 2 plays to drive two yards. That's Beamer's fault?
Can't blame the band, either.
Reply to this Top
The fake punt was beamers fault, and going away from the pass was beamers fault. Not that you will care, as I'm sure you're worshipping him as we speak.
Top
That curved building on the drill field is called a library. Since you're in college: do some research.
How many 10 win seasons did VPI/VT earn before Beamer arrived? One. And that's because Temple forfeited their win against VT and Coach Dooley was a cheater.
You lack perspective, sir. If you suffered through the awful years like many alumni here did, you might appreciate what you have today.
You will rue the day when Coach Beamer leaves and you suffer through 2 and 3 win seasons.
Top
Comments like Re:Re: is why VT will never win the big games and make it to the next level. A lot of old hokie alums are content with the "10 win" cool aid against terrible to mediocre ACC and out of conference oppenents because it doesn't remind them of the "old days". Well how do you think elite teams like Alabama, LSU, Florida got Championships? They started at a low point and had terrible seasons too, but they progressed and made necessary changes TO GET BETTER and improve. Virginia Tech has hit a ceiling and has remained where it has for a little more than 10 years now. Some like you say that's a good thing but we all know that won't last. It's time to take the next step like elite programs do or sink to a mediocre or terrible program just like in the "old days". Your comment makes it sound like you don't welcome change necessary to contend for another BCS Championship.
Top
maybe beamer should have been sent home on a bus,same old chokie hokies (always will be chokies).
Reply to this Top
Aside from a few questionable play calls (fake punt at the 50 in a tie game when the defense was dominating?), I thought it was a well-played game. Logan Thomas looked pretty sharp, and the defense made Robinson look like a true freshman (that's what the hype was all about?). As frustrating as it is, UM took the game on dumb luck (although by the end of the 3rd quarter I was questioning whether Jayron had messed around with one of the daughters of the officiating crew.....)
Reply to this Top
The Hokies got some favorable calls by the officials too. Why aren't they pointed out?
1. Michigan's Roundtree was interfered with when he was about to catch a touchdown pass in the endzone just before the end of the half (VT's defender grabbed his shirt!) That would have been at least 4 more points for UM.
2. When Michigan stopped VT's drive on 3rd and long just before their 8 point touchdown, UM was called for pass interference for grabbing the receiver's shirt the same way VT's defender did against Michigan and didn't get a pass interference call. That would have been at least 5 less points for VT.
Virginia Tech got favorable calls just as much as Michigan.
Michigan won fair and square!!!!!
Reply to this Top
The Hokies got some favorable calls by the officials too. Why aren't they pointed out?
1. Michigan's Roundtree was interfered with when he was about to catch a touchdown pass in the endzone just before the end of the half (VT's defender grabbed his shirt!) That would have been at least 4 more points for UM.
2. When Michigan stopped VT's drive on 3rd and long just before their 8 point touchdown, UM was called for pass interference for grabbing the receiver's shirt the same way VT's defender did against Michigan and didn't get a pass interference call. That would have been at least 5 less points for VT.
Virginia Tech got favorable calls just as much as Michigan.
Michigan won fair and square!!!!!
Reply to this Top
I think you forgot to write GO BIG BLUE at the end of that.
Top
COAHCING COACHING COACHING...I have been a big supporter of the current staff, but this unbelievably bad bowl performance continues this game shouldn't have even been close. We didn't even get out coached for once just dumb DUMB coaching decision at key points. Play calling is major issue when in the red zone not execution.
Reply to this Top
Can there be any question that Stinespring is to blame for this? The guy has choked in every big game Tech has played in. Beamer need to grow a pair and dump his buddy.
Reply to this Top
Anyone looking to blame the kicker should stop right now. In reality, a kicker missing a kick is no different than a receiver dropping a ball or a QB missing and open receiver. It's one mistake on one play. What hurts more, and worthy of more criticism are turnovers. Look to the guy who threw the rediculous pic. Look to the guy who fumbled. Look to the guy who called the fake punt.
Reply to this Top
Virginia Tech has proven time and time again that they are unable to win in the clutch against quality opponents. Frank Beamer doesn't have the drive and determination to see it through. Thus we had last night's middling first half performance by the Tech offense.
We are not a national contender because we can't rise to the occasion. Logan Thomas played excellently last night. However, the special teams were terrible in being caught napping on fake punts.
Perhaps the powers that be care only that the Hokies get their 10 win season and bowl game appearance. Winning the major bowl game against a real opponent is just a afterthought.
Reply to this Top
Did you watch the same game I watched? Logan Thomas missed several key throws to open receivers, and guys out of bounds on 3 TD throws. He did not play a great game at all.
Reply to this Top
Logan Thomas' performance was better than Tie-Rod Taylor. Not perfect by any means, but he did manage to come through in the clutch on difficult conversions.
Top
Competing for, and hopefully winning the ACC is about all we can hope for. The ACC cannot compete on the National Stage, and can barely compete against a Big 10 that is mediocre this year. Coaching was to blame here. Beamer looked old and confused. Almost Paterno like. Time to move on.
Reply to this Top
Are you daft or blind? because I'm going to assume that bias isn't the only option. It's clear that Tech can compete on the level based on this game's performance. Even if there's a need for a coaching overhaul, that just proves that Tech can only get better. And to compare Beamer to Paterno is an outright shame on your part.
You can't blame Tech for BCS bias, rigging, and stupidity of not even having a playoff system.
Reply to this Top
Unbelievable. Michigan has lived that way all year. They give up yards and then come up with ridiculous stops when they are backed up to the goal line. This game comes down to the fake punt. You are dominating Michigan on defense. You pin them deep and get the ball back with 4 minutes left and that drive is the game winning drive and not the game tying drive. Have seen the replay a hundred times. Why set your punter up to be a hero, of course he is going to force something where it doesn't belong. Beamer threw this game away. As you found out, Michigan is a mediocre football team. Good defenses have man handled Denard all year. Stupid coaching.
Reply to this Top
Coaching is the botttom line. The fake punt call was wrong and can't be justified. The offensive line coaching is terrible. Play calling and offensive strategy questionable again. Offensive coaching changes need to be made. Bud Foster needs to take over as head coach to bring a new attitude and approach. His defense was outstanding and not supported by the offense.
Reply to this Top
Fall in overtime? more like tripped the f' up.
Reply to this Top
While watching the game this quote came to mind during early part of the game.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
Blamer ball has come to mean giving the game ball to the opposing coach. Until this changes the band will play on, as Einstein observed.
Reply to this Top
While watching the game this quote came to mind during early part of the game.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
Blamer ball has come to mean giving the game ball to the opposing coach. Until this changes the band will play on, as Einstein observed.
Reply to this Top
Michigan was outted in every categorgy but one....Out Scored. From the first series, it was like watching men vs. boys on the field. Michigan players could not wrap up a tackle and merely hurled their bodies at a hopeful vector. Extremely impressed with VTech. ACC / Big 10 match ups are few and far between. Honestly, the opinion out here is that the ACC is a weak conference and VTech plays a cushy schedule. WRONG!. If VT is No. 10, I wouldn't want to see UofM play any team between 1 thru 9. It would be a mess. Congrats on a team that played with class and represented your school and state accordingly.
Reply to this Top
Or Michigan had an off game on offense and still beat VT..........
Reply to this Top
Or Michigan finally played a team with defense, which in the Big 10 is merely a creature of myth.
Top
It was a catch, we were robbed! But, yeah, the coaching staff which typically coaches conservatively decides to make two bad 4th-down gambles (why not go up by 9 before the half?). And, in 4th qtr, even the ESPN commentators were shocked we went for it. Instead of kicking for the win, we kicked to force overtime ... but, again, it "was" a catch. The officiating needs to get out of the game and allow someone to make a diving catch again!
Reply to this Top
I am watching the Mike Francesa show on YES. He is adamant that overturned touchdown catch was wrong. Are you folks from Virginia angry about this? That was a catch in my opinion. You guys got robbed.
Reply to this Top
After further review….the ruling on the field is confirmed…Touchdown.
Thank you Mr. Coale for a truly inspiring season (and please try to convince Mr. Wilson to stay one more year…we have need to kick some butt next year to atone for that horrible call on your terrific catch)
Reply to this Top
I'm a Michigan man but I know that this victory was an absolute fluke. Michigan was basically outplayed as all the stats show, but key mistakes by VT's special teams, a couple of fluke passing scores by Michigan, and some great red-zone defense by the Wolverines made the difference. The lightning fast Denard Robinson couldn't find a seam to squirt through, Fitz Toussaint couldn't either, and Denard'a throws, often into double coverage, seemed like a wing and a prayer. And who the hell was Drew Dilio throwing the ball to after the fake field goal by Michigan got busted? He just threw it up there and it got tipped into a Michigan linebackers hands who seemed as surprised as anyone. Your team did a good job, Hokies. Just dust yourselves off, have a couple of beers, and get ready for next year. That's what I did for seven years until this one.
Reply to this Top
I too am a lifelong Michigan fan; VT outplayed us and froze Denard in his tracks; I would say that adjustments should have been made to counter VT's defensive strategy, instead he and Fitz continued to run into a wall of VT defenders; blame part of that on our offensive Coord. The biggest point of disagreement I have with commentors on this thread is on the overturned TD call in OT; I immediately said he never landed in bounds and I still say that; was it an incredible catch; absolutely; just not in bounds. You should appreciate your coach and your program otherwise you may experience what Michigan and Tennessee have experienced when strong coaches are forced out. You have a great team and certainly can win a national title. I went to FSU Law School and when VT lost to FSU in the national title game I saw perhaps the greatest single performance by a player in my life; of course I am referring to Michael Vick; one of the top three performances I have ever witnessed. So enjoy your tradition, you have a great one.
Reply to this Top
Last time I checked, the elbow is part of the body and clearly was in bounds.
Top
Winning the ACC is a joke, losing to Clemson is an even bigger joke, scoring 13 total points against them in 2 games is beyond comprehension as eveident in the 70 pts. WVA put on them last night. Our offense is antiquated at best and for some reason that isn;t made public, Beamer and company can do no wrong, are never held accountable for failure and are basically grandfathered in until Frank has had enough. Well guess what Frank, we have had enough, do us a favor and step down, let Bud bring home a title to the program. You had a great run but it's time to do what's best for VT. You in charge is not.
Reply to this Top
Your words about Beamer were true eye openers. They hurt, but that’s what they say about the truth, isn’t it? It hurts. I just didn’t know it hurt this badly…
Reply to this Top
Winning the ACC is a joke, losing to Clemson is an even bigger joke, scoring 13 total points against them in 2 games is beyond comprehension as eveident in the 70 pts. WVA put on them last night. Our offense is antiquated at best and for some reason that isn;t made public, Beamer and company can do no wrong, are never held accountable for failure and are basically grandfathered in until Frank has had enough. Well guess what Frank, we have had enough, do us a favor and step down, let Bud bring home a title to the program. You had a great run but it's time to do what's best for VT. You in charge is not.
Reply to this Top
Offensive coaches need to be fired. If frank is unwilling to do this then he needs to go to. They all cost the game. The pass was working, getting wilson in the flat was working the entire game but they abandoned it and instead kept running it up the middle. Typical Beamer/Stinespring offense. That along with a few dumb calls cost the game. This one is on the coaches once again!
Here are all our Marquee losses due to the coaches.
1. Georgia
2. Kansas
3. LSU
4. BSU
5. Alabama
6. Clemson
7. Boston College 2007
8. Stanford
9. Michigan
Reply to this Top
I disagree on Stanford. They were a better team. But you can replace them with USC on your list.
Seriously, I almost turned off the t.v. when I saw those initial attempted runs between the O-tackles in overtime. What?, Stinespring thought he was going to trick the Defense when they were stuffing up-the-middle all night long? Wilson should go pro right now. Another year of that play-calling will doom his draft chances.
Reply to this Top
USC was a closer game although I was in high school at the time and didn't see the game. Stanford was a much better team (better coached too, look what he's doing in the NFL) however VT should have put up more points. Even if you play a better team, that's no excuse to get blown out unless your not top 25. VT was ranked in the top 10 if I remember correctly.
Wilson did himself no favors running the wrong way for 25 yards. I'd be nice if he stayed but it's common sense to bolt for the nfl and make the big bucks. I would if I were him. We'll know tomorrow supposedly.
It just sucks that all we have to look forward to is more mediocrity under Beamer. Yeah..maybe once more ACC championship but we will not beat a top 10 opponent with this current coaching staff. I look forward to seeing logan thomas progress but tyrod taylor was a 5 star QB recruit and we couldn't reach the next level with him either!!
Top
This comment has been buried by moderation (show comment)
Reply to this Top