December 4, 2011
The Virginia Tech Hokies dropped the ACC Championship game 10-38 to Clemson in the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Content on Acc Championship:
Hokies seek revenge in ACC title
December 1, 2011
Exactly 62 days ago, the Clemson Tigers came into Blacksburg and gave the Hokies a thrashing that no fan has forgotten. In that postgame press conference, a somber Frank Beamer made it clear that from there on out, his team had one goal: a rematch. Two months and seven wins later, the Hokies have accomplished that goal and are now headed to Charlotte, N.C., where they get a shot to not only wipe away the memory of an ugly 23-3 loss, but also win a fourth ACC Championship in five years. “I think we’re a better football team now than we were then,” said Bud Foster, defensive coordinator.” I think, offensively, we’ve gotten better. I think, defensively, we’ve gotten better, and I hope that shows on Saturday night.” The Hokies’ improvement since that Oct. 1 matchup is hard to ignore, and statistically speaking, Tech has appeared to be a completely different team on offense. Excluding the blowout of Football Championship Subdivision opponent Appalachian State, the Hokies have averaged 80 yards and 12 points more per game — mainly due to the improvement of redshirt-sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas. “He’s always in control on the football field, and I think as he’s gained experience, he knows where he wants to go with the ball,” Beamer said. “He’s more accurate because he knows that sooner, and it all just comes with experience.” David Wilson, who was named ACC Player of the Year this week, has also continued his run of dominance, sitting just 61 yards away Tech’s single-season rushing record. Wilson put up 127 yards in the first meeting, and considering Clemson is No. 92 in the nation against the run, Wilson could be the X-factor. “He’s a great running back,” said Rashard Hall, Clemson’s senior safety. “He runs hard, has great vision and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Those are the attributes he brings to the game. He’s just a running back in those regards, and that’s what makes him special among other running backs in the ACC and the SEC of all the teams we play.” Defensively, the Hokies have continued to be a unit that ranks among the best in nation, even after losing some of its leaders. Yet despite the losses of Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, Bruce Taylor and Antoine Hopkins, Tech is still No. 7 in the country in scoring defense — a feat that Beamer gives Foster all of the credit. “He’s been good for a long time and been good in a lot of big ballgames, but certainly he’s earned his pay here this year,” Beamer said. “The injuries he got and the people who are out — there are some key guys there, Bruce Taylor, our linebacker that led us in tackles. And so yeah, he’s done — he and that staff, the whole defensive staff, have done a tremendous job.” With both sides of the ball rolling on all cylinders, the Hokies are actually favored to win this weekend, despite what happened last time the teams met. However, that change in popular opinion hasn’t just been because of the Hokies’ success. Over the last month, the Tigers have gone into what some would call a freefall. After reaching as high No. 5 in the BCS rankings in week nine, Clemson has lost three of four by a margin of almost 20 points. “Our team will respond,” said Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s head coach. “This is where you’ve got to have the leadership of your team step forward. This is where the whole — everybody, your coaches, your trainers, your managers — has got to do a good job of helping us to re-instill the confidence in this team. I definitely think they believe.” One bright spot for the Tigers this past week has been the return of Sammy Watkins, your 2011 ACC Freshman of the Year. Watkins missed the game against North Carolina State due to a shoulder injury, but returned in last week’s loss to Clemson. However, Watkins was held to just 38 yards in his first meeting with Tech. “It wasn’t like we had to pay a little more attention to him,” said safety Eddie Whitley. “We knew he was a dynamic player, and he was going to make his plays when possible.” But regardless of the history between the teams, the ACC Championship and a trip to the Orange Bowl come down to 60 minutes of football in Charlotte. The Hokies and Tigers square off in a rematch for the ACC Championship Saturday at 8 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Hokies capture ACC title, earn berth in Orange Bowl
December 5, 2010
The Virginia Tech Hokies defeated Florida State 44-33 on a frigid night in Charlotte to clinch their fourth-ever appearance in the Orange Bowl. The victory is only the Hokies (11-2, 8-0) second against Florida State (9-4, 6-2) in their last fifteen attempts.
Hokies look to clinch BCS berth with win over Seminoles
December 2, 2010
When the Virginia Tech Hokies and Florida State Seminoles step onto the field this Saturday in Charlotte, N.C. ,for the ACC Championship Game, it will be a familiar setting for the two teams.
Hokie turnaround silences critics
November 29, 2010
As the Virginia Tech football team trotted off Worsham Field for the final time in 2010, celebrating its seventh consecutive victory over in-state rival Virginia, the sense of accomplishment from a once-embattled team was abundantly clear.
ACC Softball Championship, Day 3
May 18, 2010
ACC Softball Championship, Day 2
May 18, 2010
Golf finishes seventh at ACC Championship
April 20, 2009
The Tech golf team finished seventh at the ACC Championships this past weekend at the Old North State Club at Uwharrie Point in New London, N.C. The Hokies ended with a three-round total of 868, tying with North Carolina.
Champions on the road: How students traveled to Florida for ACC title bout
December 8, 2008
When the Virginia Tech football team played in Tampa, Fla., and subsequently became ACC champions, many Tech fans were present in person to witness the big win. In the last week, many students made plans and covered many miles to attend the championship g
December 6, 2008
The Hokies defeated the Boston College Eagles 30-12 to win their second ACC Title in a row.