Virginia Tech vs. Florida State, November 10, 2007

Prologue: What were you doing on October 11, 1975? According to Wikipedia, the two major events that occurred that day were Bill Clinton marrying Hillary Rodham, and Saturday Night Live premiered on NBC. That was also, before last night, the last day that Virginia Tech had beaten Florida St. in football. The Hokies had lost 12 times in that 32 year period, but most of those losses were in the 80’s and 90’s, when Florida St. was clearly one of the best teams in the country, and Virginia Tech was lucky to have a winning season. But the last 3 times the teams played (before last night) the stakes were high. 2003 Gator Bowl. 2005 ACC Championship Game. And of course, the 2000 Sugar Bowl, the National Championship game. All 3 were won by Florida State, and each were heartbreaking in their own way. So there was a reason why most Virginia Tech fans pointed to this game all year as one we wanted in a big way. A REAL big way.

Sage "enjoying" the tailgate. We got to our tailgating lot around 11:30 am for the 3:30 pm kickoff. By the time we arrived it was about 43 degrees, with game time temperature expected to be in the high 30's. Needless to say we had a few layers on.

The tailgate this week was seasoned flank steak sandwiches, with peppers, onions, mushrooms and havarti cheese. Sage went with the all-natural cheesy poofs and pickle spear, while I accompanied mine with salt-and-vinegar potato chips. The weather pretty much made them cold sandwiches, but they were still quite tasty.

Doug, with his 5 layers, decked out for this year's Orange Effect. Every year the Student's Association sponsors one "Orange Effect" game, where they want everyone to wear orange instead of maroon. In reality, the students end up wearing orange for every game, but I always try to support the school's Orange Effect, and forego my traditional #5 maroon jersey for orange.

The game. The Hokies jumped out to a 20-6 lead at halftime, but the 3rd quarter was an entirely different story. Mistakes by the Hokies, including an interception return by the Seminoles for a touchdown, made the score 21-20 Florida State, going into the 4th quarter. When Florida St. went ahead, it felt like it was all going downhill again. I was tempted to leave and drive home, because I wasn't sure I could take another blown game against Florida St. But fortune looked upon us this day, as our defense caused 3 turnovers, and the Hokies outscored Florida St. 20-0 in the 4th Quarter.

Here's Tyrod Taylor scoring our last touchdown. Well, not really. It was called a touchdown, but video review showed he was out at the 1 yard line.

The final score. I don't know if a win ever felt better to me than this one. There's something about getting the monkey off your back that just feels great in a way no one can understand unless you've been there. Sort of like the Red Sox over the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.

And yes, the fans stormed the field after the win. People might think this is "bush league", rushing the field after beating an un-ranked, 6-3 team. But again, for Hokie fans, this was a big win.

The games don't get any smaller. Next Saturday it's back at home against Miami. In truth, the game against the Hurricanes is "meaningless", since win or lose that game, the game the week after against Virginia in Charlottesville will determine who goes to the ACC Championship game in Jacksonville.