Virginia Tech Football

A View from the Sideline: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

It was a myocardial infarction. It was two minutes of the most exciting Hokie football in ages, and it was fittingly settled by the Virginia Tech defense on the goal line with everything at stake.

By John Schneider Nov 22, 2017, 9:22am EST

Photography by John Schneider

Travon Hill Gets there first, in the backfield on 4th and goal for Pitt.

The 2017 Home football season is in the books. It was another amazing opportunity and the six Game Days flew by. I can barely remember the opener at FedEx Field (a road game) but there were seven games on the live coverage schedule and all were exciting, even though the Clemson game was disappointing, if not understandable.

This week, the View from the Sideline is about Pitt. And if it wasn’t the most thrilling match up for 58 minutes, it certainly made up for it in the final two. It was actually a short game with Tech breaking some offensive molds and actually running the ball pretty effectively, and passing down field. The O finally started converting some third down situations, and even A.J. Bush got to contribute to a scoring drive.

It was Senior Day, and that means some serious sentimentality to go along with the the usual Pitt-Hokies grudge match.

The coach was relaxed and smiling. The game face was not quite there.

It wasn’t a big crowd, but it was still loud

The ball just crossing the line of scrimmage and just missing a big hand.

Stopping Pitt’s talented running back was key.

Bradburn Punted, Hokie Nation would have rather scored again.

Pitt did get some chances this one was way too open.

Stroman comes up to make a critical stop

Cam Phillips had a record day and didn’t know it.

Big Man putting on the pressure that causes a bad choice. Reggie Floyd picked this one.

Fitting the ball into Kumah who is getting really reliable.

It ended with a first down for Kumah and a cool shot.

Holston carries the rock well for the day.

Is Kumah the next big go-to receiver for Tech? I think so.

Punt return smothered by Andrew Motuapuaka

Mook Reynolds ends up in the practice net.

It was the Kumah and Phillips show on Offense.

Tremaine Edmunds was all over the place on Defense.

Stopping the Quarterback from running on us.

Sometimes 8 got too far down the field, but eventually hauled down.

Not great technique but it looks cool. Josh Jackson slings it.

The day’s ball hawking crew. Both resulted in critical points.

1st and Goal on the Hokie 1 1⁄2 yard line. Fitting for #LPD

That was the most exciting two minutes in Hokie Football history since the 1978 David Lamie “Hail Mary” that won the game against William and Mary. The defensive stand really shouldn’t have been necessary. The prior 4th down missed tackles (and injury to Mook) should have ended the game around the Pitt 20/25. But Reggie Floyd (Sorry, I can’t run that fast and was on the other side of the field .. darn it, no Star Trek transporter) found some extra rocked fuel and capped an already excellent game with a saving tackle on the Hokie 1 ¹⁄₂ yard line (courtesy of a replay that took the errant TD call off the board).

The rest is now for the Hokie record books. It was a fitting way to end the game with it on the Defense’s shoulders to close.

A View from the Sideline: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

Friday it’s the Hoos down in Hooville. And that’s the entire season, right there.

GO HOKIES!!!!

A View from the Sideline: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

Share this story

Share All sharing options for: A View from the Sideline: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

Friday it’s the Hoos down in Hooville. And that’s the entire season, right there.

GO HOKIES!!!!

More From Gobbler Country

Share this story

All sharing options for: A View from the Sideline: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers