Virginia Tech Football: The 5 Best Moments of the 2014 Season for the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies finished the 2014 season with a record of 6-6. In the past three years, the Hokies have a combined 21-17 record and have competed in bowl games each season.

Most schools would love that, right? Not in Blacksburg.

Before a seven-win season in 2012, Virginia Tech went eight consecutive years winning at least 10 games. 

It spoiled fans and alumni, who expect and deserve more. 

As for the 2014 season, it began with minimal expectations. Most fans figured Tech would win eight or nine games with a schedule that wasn't too imposing. It didn't quite work out that way. 

The Hokies won just six games and needed a season-ending win over in-state rival Virginia just to become bowl eligible. 

Can you guess the top moment of Virginia Tech's recently completed 2014 season?

Here are the top five moments of 2014 for the Hokies on the gridiron.

5. The Hokies' Win at North Carolina

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The Hokies celebrating a turnover in the win at North Carolina

The Hokies sat at 3-2, winless in the ACC before their early October trip to Chapel Hill. Even though Tech had disappointing home losses to East Carolina and Georgia Tech, a win over UNC would get the Hokies right back in the thick of things in the Coastal Division.

Tech looked like a different team against the Tar Heels. The Hokies ran the ball well—to the tune of 171 yards—and quarterback Michael Brewer was efficient, completing 18 of 27 passes for 186 yards. Bud Foster's defense also sacked UNC quarterback Marquise Williams five times. 

In an otherwise-forgettable ACC season, a road win at North Carolina in dominating fashion was definitely one of Virginia Tech's finer moments in 2014.

4. Hokies Sack J.T. Barrett 7 Times

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 6: Quarterback J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Ohio State freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett was sensational in place of Braxton Miller in 2014. However, he did one have ugly performance: against Virginia Tech in Week 2.

Barrett completed just 9 of 29 passes (a 31-percent clip), tossed three interceptions and was sacked seven times.

The Hokies always get to the passer, and 2014 was no exception. Tech ranked No. 2 in average sacks per game and was also No. 2 in sack yardage.

Tech's defensive performance against the Buckeyes was one for the ages, and it resulted in one of the biggest moments of the year for the Hokies.

3. Win at No. 19 Duke

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Kendall Fuller celebrating a missed Duke field goal that clinched a win at then-No. 19 Duke

Offensively, the Hokies were dreadful at then No. 19 Duke. VT finished with just 293 total yards, and quarterback Michael Brewer was sacked six times. 

But the Hokies persevered, played outstanding defense and were led by junior running back J.C. Coleman's 95 yards on the ground after starter Marshawn Williams went down with a knee injury. 

The Hokies were already eliminated from winning the Coastal Division before the game with a 1-4 mark in conference play. So, playing as hard as they did with little to play for and gutting out a tough road win makes it one of Tech's top moments in 2014.

2. Commonwealth Cup Remains in Blacksburg

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Bucky Hodges and teammates celebrate a touchdown in the win over UVa

Virginia Tech beating Virginia on the gridiron is essentially a foregone conclusion each year. It's not getting any easier, though.

The schools met on the day after Thanksgiving in one of the more exciting games in the rivalry's recent history. Both schools took late leads, but the Hokies got the last score and had a strong defensive stand to keep the Commonwealth Cup in Blacksburg for the 11th straight year.

The game also had new meaning, as both schools entered the season finale with five wins—each needing a victory to become bowl eligible. 

The Hokies won and are going bowling for the 22nd consecutive season. Beating UVa to accomplish that goal makes it even sweeter for Virginia Tech.

1. Defeating Ohio State at the Horseshoe

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Marshawn Williams after a touchdown run in the win at Ohio State

While the Hokies didn't enter 2014 with the highest of expectations on the national level, that changed in Week 2 with a win at then No. 8 Ohio State at the Horseshoe in Columbus. 

Tech flustered the Buckeyes' high-scoring offense and freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett. The Hokies finished the game with seven sacks and three turnovers. They allowed just 327 total yards. And on offense, Brewer played his best game of the season, showing a clutch gene with several big-time throws under pressure in the second half.

Unfortunately for the Hokies, they couldn't build off the win at Ohio State and would lose their next two games at home against East Carolina and Georgia Tech. 

Still, it was a monumental win in prime time and gave the Hokies great exposure early in the season. It's enough to merit the win as Virginia Tech's best moment of 2014.