level field that day. If you want to talk about after 5-6 games, then USC wasn't being challenged by much of anyone.

The worst officiated game not in favor of Tech I've ever seen as a longtime VT fan. That jobbing was hard to watch. We got jobbed that day.

different games. I agree with could have not should have. I am not sure they were clearly the better team. They scored 17 points in the last 17 minutes and were the beneficiary of shall we say some "fortuitous calls". Yes they had Reggie Bush and other very good talent but, I would say they more escaped than "won going away".

then VT would have likely continued marching down the field for some type of score. Probably would have scored a TD given the momentum at the time, but at least gotten 3 points on that drive. I believe a TD on that drive would have increased the lead to either 3 points (if it was in the first quarter) or 10 points (if it was in the second quarter). Even if Reggie Bush had "taken over the game" in the second half, I do think that 10 point cushion would have influenced Beamer's and Foster's decisions in the second half. Part of me even likes to think it might even be the game that VT "escapes" with the W and helps shake off the "Chokies" nickname. If USC still found a way to win the game, then at the very least it should have showed VT leadership the standard the program should strive for going forward because champions always find a way to rise to the top when under pressure.

** Edited by reestuart at 2/27/2026, 9:48:46 AM

long pass play, VT was putting together a nice drive that gave everyone in the stadium the feeling that the Hokies were going to continue marching down the field until the scored a TD. Then the phantom offensive PI call came and completely took the wind out VT's sails. Heck you could say VT became a stranded wooden ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with no help in sight.

** Edited by reestuart at 2/27/2026, 10:44:36 AM

the pass completion had been allowed to stand, then on the next play does VT run another pass play (aka shot down the field) or get "conservative" and call a run play? The momentum swing says take another shot down the field. Since VT would have been outside the RZ, it might be a good time to have some run a route in the middle of the field (i.e. post route) because I think USC like to use Cover 2 that year. Also, it might have even been the perfect time to look to throw to the TE because USC's DBs' focus would have been more on the WRs especially after giving up that big play. The other reason I would call a pass play is because if the offense moved the ball to somewhere between 20-25 yard line, then the offense is still at a place on the field where USC still has to respect the passing game. At the same time you are just far enough away from the EZ that if any of the RBs on the roster is able to get to the second level at full speed, then he has a good chance of being able to run into the EZ for a long TD run. Especially if VT snaps the ball quickly and really feeds of the momentum gained from the 2 pass completions back-to-back (hypothetically speaking). A TD run from the 20-25 yard line is like that uppercut the boxer never saw coming, but was set up perfectly to receive it a few punches ago.

the 13 or 14 yard line, historically that would have been where Beamer would have look to the TE on a potential pass play. At least the middle of the field should have been open in Cover 2.

it occurred in the game. Since it occurred in the 3rd Quarter, it would have an even bigger swing on momentum because USC would have less time to recover.

but, you weren't the only one there. While that may be your opinion I will wait to see if you can actually support it with game info and details. I also agree the Auburn game got away and there were plays VT just did not make.

there. Tech never lead by more than 3 points, and were outscored 17-3 in the second half. USC had better talent, and it really showed in the second half - thus they won going away in my opinion. Tech gave a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough, especially with X's injury, 2 turnovers, and Randall completing under 50% of his passes. It just wasn't our day.

they didn't clinch it until well into the 4th quarter with a FG.

They were outscored 17-3 in the last 17 minutes and 10 of those 17 came in the final 6 minutes of the fourth quarter and like I said earlier some fortuitous calls We clearly have very different definitions of what it means to "win going away". I don't think the second half really showed they had better talent at all.

I attended that game and noticed that 9 was out there but not 11...and I knew what that meant...ugh

THe blue blood fraternity is limited; their BRANDS carrying them, nationally, no matter which other school fans think. They get the coverage, they get the calls they get the rights. So if you are a program like VT who are knocking on the breaking the ceiling, you have to win those games. No shoulds or coulds, just win. I would suggest the biggest National win for VT in which it changed the national narrative was that Texas Sugar Bowl game. Then, Ohio State game... but if you win those games you cannot in 2 weeks lose to a JMU ECU or temple

on defense. USC was able to pull away in the second half, but we definitely had them on the ropes big time in that game. I was there that day. Very hot game at FedEx Field and we definitely gave one of the Trojans' all-time greatest teams all they could handle. ** Edited by Zanderhokie at 2/26/2026, 4:22:49 PM

like that before. Looked pretty gross.

** Edited by Techsupport at 2/26/2026, 8:42:04 AM

6-3 to Georgia Tech (then coached by Bobby Ross) fairly early in Beamer's tenure ((3rd or 4th year} at Atlanta the year Ga. Tech won I think the UPI version of the Natty (back then there were the AP and UPI polling services). Was considered an 'impressive loss'. ** Edited by lazarus1 at 2/25/2026, 10:10:27 PM ** Edited by lazarus1 at 2/25/2026, 10:10:52 PM

The game after GT took down No. 1 UVA (yes, that actually happened! Your eyes do not deceive you!) in Charlottesville. Game was 0-0 going into the 4thQ. Hokies scored with close to 8 minutes left. Impressive loss, indeed. Game played at GT. Same season the Hokies lost at No. 2 FSU after leading by 18. (Shades of 1998.) ** Edited by HokieNL at 6/6/2026, 11:26:28 AM