Virginia Tech Football: Hokies End Season in Embarrassing Fashion

The Hokies walked into Charlotte with all the momentum and motivation in the world and walked out with their tail feathers between their legs. The Hokies lost to the Clemson Tigers by a score of 23-3 back on October 1st. They couldn’t keep it that close on Saturday.

Clemson defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 38-10. It couldn’t have started out any worse for Frank Beamer’s group. Logan Thomas lost a fumble on the first offensive snap of the game. That led to a quick Clemson touchdown. Virginia Tech answered. and the score was tied 10-10 at the half; but one play in the first half set the tone for the remaining 30 minutes.

Virginia Tech lost All-American cornerback Jayron Hosley in the second quarter. He was reported to have suffered a stinger in his shoulder, numbing his entire arm. Hosley’s departure gave way to the backup Detrick Bonner.

Bonner was the weakest link on the defense Saturday. Clemson QB Tahj Boyd picked on the young corner relentlessly. The Tigers scored touchdowns on their first four possessions of the second half; it appears that the Hokies never stood a chance.

This game wasn’t totally lost on the defensive side of the ball. Logan Thomas had his worst game since the first Clemson game. He lost a fumble and threw two interceptions in the second half. Running back David Wilson had his worst rushing game of the season. He came into the game needing 61 yards to break Ryan Williams VT record for most rushing yards in a season. He ran for 32 yards on 11 carries.

The Hokies lost this game badly, but the officials didn’t help much. It seems fitting that ESPN began the night praising the officiating crew, but it appears that no one mentioned that to the referees. There were some interesting penalties and no calls during the game.

The Hokies blocked a punt in the first half but were called for a roughing the punter penalty. That was followed by a questionable offensive pass interference call on Jarrett Boykin. There were also some interesting no calls on a clear horse collar tackle and two facemasks.

There has only been one team that has been able to tame the gobblers this season, and that’s Clemson. The Tigers have blown out the Hokies twice this season. This loss will hurt the Hokies for a long time. Virginia Tech lost a chance at the BCS, the Orange Bowl and the ACC championship.

The Tigers won all three phases of the game Saturday, and the scoreboard showed it. The Hokies ended their regular season in embarrassing fashion, but they will have a chance to redeem themselves in a bowl game, probably the Chic-Fil-A bowl.