Tweet

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech rallied from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game, but the Hokies couldn’t quite overcome No. 12 North Carolina, falling 30-27 in overtime to the Tar Heels at Lane Stadium on Saturday in what marked the final home game of Tech head coach Frank Beamer’s coaching career.

With the loss, the Hokies fell to 5-6 overall, 3-4 in the ACC, and they now need to beat rival Virginia next Saturday to become bowl eligible for the 23^rd consecutive season. North Carolina moved to 10-1 overall, 7-0 in the ACC, and clinched the Coastal Division crown.

“I’m really proud of our football team,” Beamer said. “We battled all day long. We got behind and didn’t let up. I’m as proud as can be. We just didn’t have enough at the end. Give North Carolina credit. They’re a good team and made some plays at the end. They did a good job.

“We’ve got one more shot next week against our in-state rival. Right now, it’s back to work and let’s make a great preparation and see if we can’t get to a bowl game.”

There were multiple tributes to Beamer, who, on Nov. 1, announced his plans to retire at the end of the season following 29 seasons as the Hokies’ head coach. The Hokies played with emotion for their head coach, but were unable to overcome the Tar Heels.

“I’ve been amazed at the fans and their appreciation,” Beamer said. “I’ve always said we’ve got the greatest fans and they showed it again today. I appreciate them. I saw a lot of signs there saying something about appreciating me. Well, I appreciate them.

“I really think about it, not so much that this is my last game at Lane Stadium even though that makes you sad, but I really think about the 29 years I’ve been able to coach and the other years I played at Lane Stadium. Virginia Tech has been great to me. I tell everybody, I’ve never had a bad athletic director and I’ve never had a bad president. I’ve been a lucky guy. I’ll say it again.”

On the field, North Carolina opened a 24-10 lead in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of a Sam Rogers fumble and a Michael Brewer interception on back-to-back possessions to score two touchdowns – both on Elijah Hood touchdown runs.

But the Tar Heels couldn’t salt the game away. Quarterback Marquise Williams fumbled on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter, with the first one leading to an 8-yard touchdown pass from Brewer to tight end Bucky Hodges and the second one leading to a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brewer to receiver Isaiah Ford.

Ford’s touchdown catch came with 1:07 remaining and tied the game at 24. Tech’s defense held the Tar Heels on the ensuing possession and forced a punt. The Hokies then ran out the clock, sending the game into overtime.

“Our defense really stepped up and made some big plays,” Brewer said. “We felt like it was our turn to get out there and make plays for ourselves. We started playing fast and throwing the football a little bit. They gave us some soft coverage, and we made some plays.”

Tech lost the toss heading into overtime, and North Carolina elected to play defense first. The Hokies went three-and-out and settled for a 41-yard field goal by Joey Slye that gave them a 27-24 lead.

North Carolina then got the ball. The Tar Heels drove to the Tech 3, but a false start pushed them back to the 8. A 3-yard run by quarterback Marquise Williams left North Carolina faced a third-and-goal from the 5.

Out of a timeout, Williams threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Quinshad Davis to end the game. Davis appeared to be juggling the ball, but the officials reviewed the play, and the call stood.

Williams completed 13 of 26 for 205 yards, with a touchdown, and he also rushed for a touchdown. Hood rushed for 115 yards, as the Tar Heels finished with 445 yards of offense.

Brewer paced the Hokies’ 403-yard day by completing 20 of 35 for 273 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions, and he also rushed for a touchdown. Travon McMillian rushed for 80 yards on 21 carries.

Following the game, Beamer did an interview with ESPN and then he addressed the fans, thanking them for their support. The team then walked out to meet Beamer and carried him off the field.

But his focus wasn’t on his legacy – it was on UVA and bowl eligibility.

“He told us to start focusing on UVA,” Brewer said. “We’ve got a chance next to go down to Charlottesville and get a win and send this thing to a bowl game. That’s what everybody wants to do, and that’s the plan.”

Tech takes on Virginia next Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia, in the regular-season finale The kickoff time has yet to be announced.

For updates on Virginia Tech football, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Football and on Instagram @vthokiefootball