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Virginia Tech Hokies – fans, players and coaches – watched last night as the Nebraska Cornhuskers struggled on the road against Missouri for three quarters.

The Cornhuskers, ranked 21st in the country, were playing solid defense, holding the 24th ranked Tigers’ offense to just 10 points. Nebraska gave up a safety on a botched punt and trailed 12-0 after three quarters.

Nebraska’s offense, however, was another story. It struggled mightily for the first three quarters. Head coach Bo Pelini was at a loss. But in the fourth quarter, it was as if someone flipped a switch. Nebraska woke up and exploded for 27 fourth quarter points to win 27-12.

The Huskers scored three touchdowns in a little more than three minutes early in the final quarter and then added another for good measure in the closing minutes.

The win propelled Nebraska to a 4-1 record – its only loss to No. 5 Virginia Tech in the final minutes of the game.

Following the home-at-home series between Nebraska and Virginia Tech, the fans from both sides have developed a mutual respect and even kinship.

When Hokie football fans traveled to Lincoln in 2008, Husker fans treated them like family. And when Nebraska fans came to Blacksburg earlier this year, Hokie fans returned the hospitality.

So when Nebraska staged a dramatic, come-from-behind road win last night on national television, Hokie fans were generally happy to see their new friends win. Though the reason for jubilation was not without added benefit. Nebraska’s win also helps Virginia Tech’s strength of schedule and its RPI ranking.

According to RealTimeRPI.com, the Hokies have the second highest strength of schedule rating. This is in large part to having played three top 25 teams and beating two of them. The Hokies lost their season-opener to now No. 3 Alabama and then went on to beat No. 21 Nebraska – which will certainly move up after last night’s win – and No. 11 Miami.

Virginia Tech’s five opponents have a combined record of 17-7 and only Duke has a losing record. Tech’s three toughest opponents through its first five games have a combined record of 12-2. The two loses obviously have come at the hands of Frank Beamer’s team.

While many thought that No. 22 Georgia Tech would be the toughest remaining game on the Hokies schedule, Boston College is 4-1 and has been playing surpisingly well for a team that is supposedly rebuilding. The Eagles have beaten Virginia Tech three straight years in the regular season and four of the last five, though the Hokies have beaten Boston College in two straight ACC Championship games.

Tech hosts the Eagles Saturday, Oct. 10, at noon in Blacksburg, Va. If the Hokies wins, they will have a shot to move up to No. 4 in the rankings.

No. 1 Florida and No. 4 LSU play at LSU on Saturday night. If the Gators win, LSU will drop a few spots making way for the Hokies to move up. If LSU wins a close game, don’t expect Florida to drop more than a couple of spots. If the Tigers blow Florida out, then the Gators could drop below the Hokies, who would then move up.

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No. 25 Nebraska won big this weekend, 55-0, over Louisiana Lafayette; and No. 3 Alabama remains undefeated after a 35-7 win over SEC rival Arkansas. That’s good news for the Hokies, who have now beaten the No. 19 (Nebraska last week) and the No. 9 teams in the country in the first four games.

The Hokies’ only loss this season was to Alabama. Tech scored 24 points in that loss; the most points the Tide have given up this season. Alabama has given up only 28 combined points in their last three games. Only four weeks into the season and that loss doesn’t look so bad now.

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Recap | Box Score

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Virginia Tech freshman running back Ryan Williams celebrates a TD against Nebraska, his sixth of the season. Photo courtesy Gary Cope, VTHokiefans.com

Blacksburg, VA — Tyrod Taylor and the Virginia Tech Hokies’ offense struggled the entire game, but when they needed it most, Taylor completed a pair of difficult passes, the second of which won the game for the 13th ranked Hokies.

Heartbreaking doesn’t begin to describe the loss for the No. 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers. They had the game won, leading 15-10 with less than two minutes to play and the Hokies with no timeouts.

The Huskers’ defense, led by All Big 12 defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, had held the Hokies to less than 200 yards of offense and hadn’t given up a single second-half point. In fact, until the final drive by Virginia Tech, the Hokies had managed only 57 yards total offense. Nebraska fans were ready to leave Blacksburg with a win. But Tyrod Taylor and Danny Coale had other plans.

Facing a 2nd and 6 on their own 16 yard line with time running out and no timeouts, Taylor danced in the pocket looking for an open receiver. Then, he stepped up with purpose and delivered a perfect pass down the right sideline to a streaking and wide open Coale, who sprinted 81 yards before being tripped up by Nebraska safety Matt O’Hanlon at the three yard line.

Hokie fans were going crazy, but on 1st and goal from the three, Taylor’s protection collapsed immediately after the snap and he took an eight-yard sack, giving Tech a 2nd and goal from the 11 yard line. On second down, Taylor was forced out of the pocket and scrambled to the near sideline where he threw a pass out of the back of the end zone. This set up a 3rd and goal with :33 seconds left in the game.

Taylor rolled left on a designed play, then when he couldn’t find an open receiver, he rolled back right, frantically pointing his receivers to open spots in the endzone, then, with Suh clinging to his back, Taylor fired a pass to Dyrell Roberts who made the catch with a Husker draped all over him.

Lane Stadium errupted into a wild celebration. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini removed his headset calmly and then threw it in disgust over the heads of several players.

Nebraska still had time to attempt a miracle comeback of their own, but quarterback Zac Lee threw a Hail Mary pass deep in to Tech territory, but Rashad Carmichael intercepted the pass and ran the clock down to zero before falling down to end the game and seal one of, if not the most dramatic wins ever in Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.

The Hokies only other touchdown of the game came on the first offensive possession of the game after a 76-yard opening kickoff return by Roberts. Ryan Williams rushed over the right end for a 1-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Virginia Tech lead.

Tech’s defense didn’t give up a touchdown. Once again, Bud Foster’s bend-but-don’t-break defense did not allow a touchdown and instead held the Huskers to five field goals.

The Hokies (2-1) complete a series sweep of Nebraska, having beat the Huskers 35-30 last season in Lincoln.

Box Score | Game Highlights | Detailed Recap

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The weekly ACC injury report is out and it looks like senior tight end Greg Boone will play tomorrow against the 19th-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers. He is listed as probable.

Boone missed the Marshall game with an SC joint sprain (shoulder) after delivering an impressive crack-back block on a Ryan Williams run that set up a touchdown against Alabama. Hopefully Boone will be up for some blocking because the Hokies offensive line will need all the help they can get against Nebraska’s monster defensive line, led by All Big 12 defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Senior cornerback Stephan Virgil is listed as questionable for the Hokies with a knee injury. Like Boone, Virgil also injured his knee against Alabama and missed the Marshall game. Freshman Jayron Hosley stepped in an played some cornerback against Marshall, but the Hokies will need some help this week. Expect Bud Foster to put a lot of pressure on Nebraska’s inexperienced quarterback and provide a lot of safety help to the corners to help defend against NU’s big receivers.

*Weekly ACC Injury Report

*Injury reports are optional.

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The ACC announced this afternoon the kickoff times for several upcoming games including the Sept. 26 showdown in Blacksburg between a pair of nationally ranked team – the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Miami Hurricanes. The Hokies and Canes will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and the game will be aired regionally on ABC, but will also be show on ESPN on the “reverse mirror” format. What is that? Good question – Gobbler Country answered that question over the weekend.

The Hokies moved up one spot in the AP polls to No. 13, while the Hurricanes are No. 20. Frank Beamer and the boys host No. 19 Nebraska this Saturday, Sept. 19, also at 3:30 p.m. The Nebraska game will also be broadcast regionally on ABC and on ESPN2 in the reverse mirror format.

(Photo Copyright 2009 by VTHokieFans.com)

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Box Score | Highlights

Well, it looks like Nebraska coach Bo Pelini will have to keep those black shirts hidden for a little longer. What a great road win! The Hokies played by far their best and most complete game of the season in beating Nebraska 35-30 in Lincoln … on NATIONAL TELEVISION! Of course, the win was tempered somewhat with the news after the game that rover Davon Morgan tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. His backup, Dorian Porch played well and even recovered the fumble in the closing seconds of the game to secure the win and had the presence of mind to fall down instead of risking getting hit and fumbling the ball.

This game marked the best offensive output of the season for the Hokies with 377 total yards. However, even Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer voiced his concern after the game about the offense’s struggles in the red zone. Four times the Hokies were inside the Huskers’ 20, but only managed a field goal on those four trips. But, the important thing to remember is that the offense was moving the ball with a very balanced and effective attack, which was a major improvement over Tech’s first four games. The red zone efficiency will come, of that I’m sure.

I was very impressed with a lot of things the Hokies did against Nebraska. The first was quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s command of the offense. Not just his ability to make plays, but it was clear he was playing with a great deal of confidence that was lacking in his previous starts. Taylor was barking out orders, getting his guys in the huddle and showing some emotion – he is emerging as the leader of this offense and it was a welcome sight Saturday night. The team as a whole played with fire, determination and a newfound level of confidence. Guys were making big plays and getting after it.

Breaking Down the Offense

It took five games, a lot of public criticism of offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring, and some defensive press conferences by Beamer, but the Hokies finally looked like a real Division I-A college football offense Saturday. What I find interesting is that it came against what was supposed to be the toughest defensive opponent of the season … on the road … in front of more than 85,000 people. Go figure.

Tech piled up a season-high 377 yards, more than 100 yards better than their season average of 272. More importantly, the Hokies got their passing game going and racked up a season-high 171 yards. Taylor was able to spread the ball around to five different receivers as Nebraska’s soft secondary left Hokies wide open.

Redshirt freshman Darren Evans continues to lead the Hokies running backs with 72 yards and two touchdowns against Nebraska. Evans leads all RBs with six TDs and 336 yards rushing this season. Tyrod is the team’s second leading rusher with 308 yards. Though, Tyrod average more yards per game (he didn’t play against ECU) with 77 and more yards per carry with 5.5.

The offensive line had its ups and downs against Nebraska, but for the most part, played well. They gave up a pair of sacks and the Hokies had trouble running the ball at times, but then the line would open up gaping holes and either Evans or Kenny Lewis Jr., who would run for a big gain. The big uglies are definitely playing better up front and are beginning to show signs of being able to dominate.

Lastly, NO TURNOVERS!

Breaking Down the Defense

Bud Foster’s lunch pail defense, like the UNC game, had its good plays and bad plays in this game. It effectively game up 23 points, which is a bit much for Foster’s liking, but just like the UNC game, the guys made the big plays when they had to, including Macho Harris’ interception and Stephan Virgil’s forced fumble and Dorian Porch’s recover in the final seconds to secure the win.

Kam Chancellor got burned on Nebraska’s first touchdown of the game; Harris lost his man on the Huskers’ final TD of the game; and on Nebraska’s second TD, three Tech defenders missed tackles as Roy Helu ran for a 12-yard score right up the middle. Tech lost containment on several plays, allowing Nebraska to get outside and pick up big chunks of yards. Check out Foster’s reaction to his defense losing contain at the 6:00 mark of the highlight video – he was not happy.

Look, defensively, it wasn’t pretty, but finally, the offense was able to step up and help the D out a little. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again … bend, don’t break. The defense continues to improve and make big plays – Foster’s got his guys going in the right direction.

Breaking Down the Special Teams

Talk about the good, the bad and the ugly. Beamerball got off to a great start with a blocked punt (first of the season) early in the first quarter. Stephan Virgil came through unblocked to bat the punt down and out of the endzone giving the Hokies a safety.

The Hokies also did a pretty good job of returning kicks averaging 21 per kickoff return and 23.5 per punt return. Tech’s kicking game was also solid as redshirt senior place kicker Dustin Keys was 4/4, booting FGs of 19, 38, 27 and 36 yards; he also nailed all three PATs.

Punter Brent Bowden also had a solid game, though he did shank a 21-yard punt early in the fourth quarter. Outside of that, he dropped three punts inside Nebraska’s 20 yard line and averaged about 35 yards a kick.

Of course, the glaring failure on special teams was the 88-yard punt return for a touchdown by Nebraska that cut the Hokies lead to 28-23 in the fourth quarter.

What does it all mean, Basil?

The Hokies now have a viable offense, which means that the rest of the teams on Tech’s schedule are now on notice … the Hokies appear to be back. Next up is Division I-A transitional team Western Kentucky, which lost 41-3 to Kentucky on Saturday. Well guys, I was up pretty much all night watching the game (again) and putting together highlights and reading all of the recaps from other publications, so I’m pretty beat. I’m heading to bed with thoughts of Hokie touchdowns dancing in my head. Great win, gang. We get a quick tuneup game before we go on the road against BC and FSU … those games won’t be cakewalks, trust me.

Closing Notes:

• The 85,831 fans at Memorial Stadium represented the largest crowd in stadium history.
• The Huskers lost to an ACC team for the first time in the school’s history (5-1).
• The Hokies scored nine points in the first quarter, the first game all season they’ve scored in the opening quarter.
• Tech has yet to have a running back rush for 100 yards in a game this season.
• For the third straight game, personal foul calls against Tech’s opponent have sustained 4th quarter drives for the Hokies, which helped them to burn time off the clock.
• Tyrod Taylor is now 8-0 as a starting QB for the Hokies.

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From HokieSports.com:

GREENSBORO, N.C. – ABC Sports and the Atlantic Coast Conference announced on Monday that Virginia Tech’s Sept. 27 road game against Nebraska will be televised by ABC with the telecast set for 8 p.m., Eastern (7 p.m., local). The game will be carried as part of ABC’s Saturday Night football package.

The game will be carried on a split-national basis along with the Illinois-Penn State game. The ABC coverage map for the Nebraska/Tech game will be available next week and announcers for the contest will also be determined at that time.

It was announced Saturday night by the ACC that Tech’s game this Saturday at North Carolina will kick off at 3:30 p.m., and that game will also be on ABC. It will be a reverse mirror game, meaning those who get the Texas A&M/Miami game on ABC in their area will get the Tech/UNC game on ESPN and vice versa.

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