The 2004 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented the Virginia Tech in the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. Virginia Tech won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship in its inaugural year in the conference, running off a streak of eight straight wins to end the regular season after a 2–2 start. Tech posted a 10-3 record and finished 10th in the final Associated Press after losing to undefeated Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. The team's head coach was Frank Beamer, who was named ACC Coach of the Year. [1] Tech was led on the field by quarterback Bryan Randall, who was named ACC player of the year. [2]
2004 Virginia Tech Hokies football | |
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ACC champion | |
Sugar Bowl, L 13–16 vs. Auburn | |
Conference | Atlantic Coast Conference |
Coastal Division | |
Ranking | |
Coaches | No. 10 |
AP | No. 10 |
Record | 10–3 (7–1 ACC) |
Head coach |
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Offensive coordinator | Bryan Stinespring (3rd season) |
Offensive scheme | Pro-style |
Defensive coordinator | Bud Foster (10th season) |
Base defense | 4–4 |
Home stadium | Lane Stadium |
Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 10 Virginia Tech $ | 7 | – | 1 | 10 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 15 Florida State | 6 | – | 2 | 9 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 11 Miami (FL) | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 23 Virginia | 5 | – | 3 | 8 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina | 5 | – | 3 | 6 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Georgia Tech | 4 | – | 4 | 7 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clemson | 4 | – | 4 | 6 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NC State | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maryland | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wake Forest | 1 | – | 7 | 4 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duke | 1 | – | 7 | 2 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Virginia Tech began the season unranked nationally, and picked sixth in the ACC's preseason poll, [3] having lost five of its last seven games the previous season. The Hokies faced a daunting schedule, beginning with a nationally televised game against the defending national co-champion USC Trojans. That game, known as the BCA Classic, was the first NCAA college football game of the year, and would be followed by a tough conference schedule.
ACC membership
editVirginia Tech had been spurned by the original seven ACC members in May 1953 when the charter schools broke off from the Southern Conference. [4] The University of Virginia, which had left the Southern Conference in the 1930s, was added to the original seven in October 1953. In December of that year, a proposal to invite Virginia Tech and West Virginia, made by the University of North Carolina, was tabled. [5] In 1977, Tech's application to the conference was put forward by UVA, Duke, and Clemson, but rejected. [6]
BCA Classic
editTech lost to eventual BCS National Champion USC at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, 24-13, losing the lead late in the third quarter.
Regular season
editAfter a 63-0 shellacking of Western Michigan, Tech played its first ever ACC game on September 18, against Duke. Tech prevailed 41-17 in Lane Stadium.[7] The Hokies dropped to 2-2 following a 17-16 home loss to N.C. State, in which the Hokies missed a would-be winning field goal as time expired. The team then needed to win five of its next eight games to extend its 11-season streak of playing in a post-season bowl game.
After reeling off three-straight wins, including a 19-13 squeaker over then #7 West Virginia, the Hokies' fortunes looked bleak in the fourth quarter of their game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta on ESPN Thursday night college football. Tech was down 14-0 at one point and trailed 20-12 with 5:28 left in the fourth quarter. Tech racked up 22 unanswered points to exterminate the Yellow Jackets.[8]
Tech would go on to win their remaining regular-season games, including a 24-10 win over then #16 Virginia in Lane Stadium and a 16-10 away victory over then #9 Miami, to clinch the ACC Championship. As ACC Champions, Virginia Tech was awarded a bid to the 2005 Sugar Bowl, a Bowl Championship Series game in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia Tech faced Auburn, a team that had gone undefeated in the regular season but was denied a bid to the national championship game by virtue of its lower rank in the BCS poll. In a game that was not decided until the final two minutes,[9] Virginia Tech lost to Auburn 16-13.
Virginia Tech defense
editAt the conclusion of the regular season, Virginia Tech's defense was ranked third nationally in scoring defense (12.6 points allowed per game), fourth in total defense (269.5 total yards allowed per game) and fifth in pass defense (149.8 passing yards allowed per game).[10] The Tech defense featured two highly regarded cornerbacks, Jimmy Williams and Eric Green, who finished the regular season with 50 tackles[11] and 31 tackles,[12] respectively. Williams also had four interceptions (the most on the team), including one returned for a touchdown,[11] and was named first-team All-ACC.[10] Green, meanwhile, had one interception.[12] Auburn wide receiver Courtney Taylor praised the two players highly in an interview before the game, saying, "Those cornerbacks are amazing to me every time I look at them. I think, 'God, those guys are very athletic.' We're going to have our hands full."[citation needed]
Linebacker Mikal Baaqee was first on the team in tackles, recording 63 during the regular season.[13] Fellow linebacker Vince Hall ranked second, with 62.[10]
On the defensive line, defensive tackle Jonathan Lewis was considered a key player. Though limited by a cast protecting a broken pinky finger suffered during Virginia Tech's game against Virginia, Lewis was expected to continue to perform well. Heading into the Sugar Bowl, Lewis had 38 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.[14] Also on the defensive line was Darryl Tapp, who led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hurries.[15] Tapp earned first-team All-ACC honors[10] and had 55 tackles and one interception during the regular season.[15]
Virginia Tech Offense
editHeading into the Sugar Bowl, the Virginia Tech offense was led by quarterback Bryan Randall, who completed 149 of 268 passes (55.6 percent) for 1,965 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 466 yards and held Tech career records for total offense and passing yards. His 37 consecutive starts also are a school mark for a quarterback.[16] In the preseason, Randall competed for the first-string quarterback spot with Marcus Vick until the latter was suspended from Tech for a semester after a criminal conviction.[17] In the weeks leading up to the Sugar Bowl, Randall was named the Virginia Division I Offensive Player of the Year by the Roanoke Times[16] and was named the ACC Player of the Year.[18]
Tech's rushing offense featured two running backs who shared time on the field: Mike Imoh and Cedric Humes. During the regular season, Imoh rushed the ball 152 times for 704 yards, an average of 4.6 yards per carry. He scored four touchdowns and set a school record for rushing yards in a game when he ran for 243 yards in Virginia Tech's game against North Carolina.[19] Humes was on the field slightly less than Imoh, but earned 595 yards and five touchdowns on 124 carries.[20] Tech offensive tackle Jimmy Martin was expected to play in the game after recovering from a high ankle sprain.[21]
On special teams, Tech's Jim Davis blocked three field goals during the regular season, and teammate Darryl Tapp blocked a punt.[22] Tech's success on special teams was at least partially due to head coach Frank Beamer's emphasis on that aspect of the game, a strategy known as "Beamerball." Due to Tech's acumen on special teams, Auburn was forced to spend extra time in preparing its special teams to face Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.[22]
The Sugar Bowl was a homecoming for Tech punter Vinnie Burns, who played high school football 15 miles (24 km) from the Louisiana Superdome, site of the Sugar Bowl. In addition, Burns' father, Ronnie Burns, was a longtime Sugar Bowl committee member, and Vinnie committed to attend Virginia Tech while the Hokies were in New Orleans to play in the 2000 Sugar Bowl, that year's national championship game.[21]
Schedule
editDate | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 28 | 7:40 p.m. | vs. No. 1 USC* | ESPN | L 13–24 | 91,665 | [23] [24] [25] | ||
September 11 | 1:00 p.m. | Western Michigan* | W 63–0 | 65,115 | [26] [27] [28] | |||
September 18 | 12:00 p.m. | Duke |
| JPS | W 41–17 | 65,115 | [29] [30] [31] | |
September 25 | 12:00 p.m. | NC State |
| ESPN | L 16–17 | 65,115 | [32] [33] [34] | |
October 2 | 12:00 p.m. | No. 6 West Virginia* |
| ESPN | W 19–13 | 65,115 | [35] [36] [37] | |
October 9 | 12:00 p.m. | at Wake Forest | JPS | W 17–10 | 32,433 | [38] [39] [40] | ||
October 16 | 1:00 p.m. | Florida A&M* |
| W 62–0 | 65,115 | [41] [42] [43] | ||
October 28 | 7:30 p.m. | at Georgia Tech | No. 22 | ESPN | W 34–20 | 48,398 | [44] [45] [46] | |
November 6 | 12:00 p.m. | at North Carolina | No. 18 | ESPN2 | W 27–24 | 58,000 | [47] [48][49] | |
November 18[50] | 7:30 p.m. | Maryland | No. 15 |
| ESPN | W 55–6 | 65,115 | [51] [52][53] |
November 27 | 1:00 p.m. | No. 16 Virginia | No. 11 |
| ABC | W 24–10 | 65,115 | [54] [55] [56] |
December 4 | 1:00 p.m. | at No. 9 Miami (FL) | No. 10 | ABC | W 16–10 | 62,205 | [57] [58][59] | |
January 3, 2005 | 8:00 pm | vs. No. 3 Auburn* | No. 9 | ABC | L 13–16 | 77,349 | [60] [61][62] | |
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Rankings
editWeek | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
AP | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 23 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
Coaches Poll | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 22 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 10 |
BCS | Not released | 25 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | Not released |
Personnel
editCoaching staff
editPosition | Name | First year at VT | First year in current position |
---|---|---|---|
Head coach | Frank Beamer | 1987 | 1987 |
Associate head coach and running backs coach | Billy Hite | 1978 | 2001 |
Offensive coordinator and offensive line | Bryan Stinespring | 1990 | 2002 |
Defensive coordinator and inside linebackers | Bud Foster | 1987 | 1995 |
Wide receivers | Tony Ball | 1998 | 1998 |
Strong safety, Outside linebackers, and Recruiting Coordinator | Jim Cavanaugh | 1996 | 2002 |
Quarterbacks | Kevin Rogers | 2002 | 2002 |
Tight ends and Offensive tackles | Danny Pearman | 1998 | 1998 |
Defensive backs | Lorenzo Ward | 1999 | 1999 |
Defensive line | Charley Wiles | 1996 | 1996 |
Roster
edit
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Place kicker
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Starters are in bold and players who left the team are |
References
edit- ^ "Beamer, Miller honored; Tech coach, U.Va. end get league, national honors..." Richmond Times-Dispatch. December 10, 2004. pp. E1. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Randall's tally tops". The Roanoke Times. December 11, 2004. p. 21. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Beamer, Miller honored; Tech coach, U.Va. end get league, national honors..." Richmond Times-Dispatch. December 10, 2004. pp. E1. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Two European groups announce new awards". Physics Today. 27 (12): 79–79. December 1, 1974. doi:10.1063/1.3129061. ISSN 0031-9228.
- ^ "Virginia officially taken into recently formed ACC; Bid to invited WVU, VPI nixed". The Roanoke Times. December 5, 1953. p. 8. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Tech fails in ACC bid". The Roanoke Times. May 3, 1977. p. 14. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Duke vs. Virginia Tech - Game Recap - September 18, 2004 - ESPN". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
- ^ http://www.hokiesports.com/football/sugarbowl05.mg.pdf Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine, p. 63, retrieved November 28, 2010.
- ^ "Auburn 16, Virginia Tech 13", January 3, 2005. Hokiesports.com [1] — Accessed July 21, 2007.
- ^ a b c d Va. Tech gets its focus back Andy Gardiner, USA Today. December 28, 2004. Accessed June 22, 2008.
- ^ a b 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Eric Green" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 31
- ^ a b 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Eric Green" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 17
- ^ 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Eric Green" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 11
- ^ Lewis now one of the big guys Randy King, The Roanoke Times. December 30, 2004. Accessed June 21, 2008.
- ^ a b 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Eric Green" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Pages 29–30
- ^ a b Double redemption Mark Berman, The Roanoke Times. December 17, 2004. Accessed June 21, 2008.
- ^ Quarterback would contend to start The Associated Press, ESPN.com. December 31, 2004. Accessed June 22, 2008.
- ^ 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Bryan Randall" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 27
- ^ 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Mike Imoh" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 20
- ^ 2005 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech Media Guide Archived 2018-05-22 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) "Cedric Humes" Virginia Tech Sports Information, December 2004. Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 19
- ^ a b Burns returns to roots Randy King, The Roanoke Times, December 19, 2004. Accessed June 2, 2008.
- ^ a b Auburn's special teams prepared Scripps-Howard News Service, ESPN.com. December 26, 2004. Accessed June 20, 2008.
- ^ Barnhart, Tony (August 29, 2004). "Trojans get a scare and a victory". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
- ^ "Bush delivers in D. C. ...holds off a surprising Tech team". The Roanoke Times. August 29, 2004. p. 25. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "Hokies vs. USC". Richmond Times-Dispatch. August 29, 2004. pp. C10. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "Hokies whip Western to snap losing streak". Staunton News Leader. September 12, 2004. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
- ^ "Slaughters rule: Hokies freshmen have a day to remember in their home debuts". Richmond Times-Dispatch. September 12, 2004. pp. D1. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "Blowout Saturday; An unblemished series for Tech". The Roanoke Times. September 12, 2004. p. 27. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "Virginia Tech cleans up on doormat Duke". Staunton New Leader. September 19, 2004. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
- ^ "Breeze in Blacksburg; New ACC member finds that everything works against Duke". Richmond Times-Dispatch. September 19, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "New era uncorked; VT scores 31 straight points ...first ACC victory". The Roanoke Times. September 19, 2004. p. 27. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "Virginia Tech boots its chance to escape 'Pack". Staunton News Leader. September 26, 2004.
- ^ "A kick in the pants; {VT} gains just 192 yards total and 36 yards rushing against {NC State}". The Roanoke Times. September 26, 2004. p. 29. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Wide-right blues at Tech; NC State wins when passes misses from 43 yards as time expires". Richmond Times-Dispatch. September 26, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Hokies pay back Mountaineers". Staunton News Leader. October 3, 2004. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
- ^ "Back to basics; Tech returns to Beamerball to avoid falling below .500... payback to sixth...WVU". The Roanoke Times. October 3, 2004. p. 27. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ "Special delivery; Fuller's blocked-kick return, four Pace FGs, tight defense lift Tech". Richmond Times-Dispatch. October 3, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ "Imoh leads Hokies to first ACC road win". Asheville Citizen Times. October 10, 2004. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
- ^ "Tech shows tight stuff; For second straight weekend, the Hokies pull out a close victory". Richmond Times-Dispatch. October 10, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ "Saving best for last; QB Randall leads winning drive, Tech defense makes final stand". The Roanoke Times. October 10, 2004. p. 25. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ "Hokies get to catch breath: {VT... builds} 48-0 halftime lead and managing to go without a punt". The Roanoke Times. October 17, 2004. p. 25. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Kahn, Chris (October 17, 2004). "Virginia Tech smacks Florida A&M". Asheville Citizen-Times. Retrieved May 4, 2004.
- ^ "Hokies devour a treat: A Division I-AA team, Florida A&M is served as homecoming fare". Richmond Times-Dispatch. October 17, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "4th-quarter blitz: Randall leads stunning rally". The Roanoke Times. October 29, 2004. p. 19. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "The late show: Virginia Tech stuns Georgia Tech with 25 points in the fourth quarter". Richmond Times-Dispatch. October 29, 2004. pp. E1. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Newberry, Paul (October 29, 2004). "Virginia Tech pulls out win". The Carlisle (PA) Sentinel. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- ^ "Tied on title track: Davis' late clutch sack helps Tech nip UNC, stay deadlocked atop ACC". Richmond Times-Dispatch. November 7, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "Hokies grind it out: Heel's toe come up short against Tech". The Roanoke Times. November 7, 2004. p. 27. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "Hokies hold of Heels when kick falls short". The Staunton News Ledger. November 7, 2004. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- ^ ESPN.com
- ^ "Prime-time pummeling: Hokies score early and often off Terrapins' turnovers in ACC rout". Richmond Times-Dispatch. November 19, 2004. pp. E1. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "Terrapins soup: Hokies win big to keep ACC lead". The Roanoke Times. November 19, 2004. p. 6. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "Hokies take another step to ACC title, BCS Bowl: Virginia Tech cashes in first-half turnovers for sixth straight win". Austin American Statesman. November 19, 2004. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- ^ "High Tech: With their conquest of Virginia, Hokies will meet Miami for BCS bowl berth". Richmond Times-Dispatch. November 28, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "First impressions: ACC rookie Tech claims share of title". The Roanoke Times. November 28, 2004. p. 23. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "Va. Tech closes in on ACC title: Hokies defeat Virginia 24-10, can wrap up crown with Miami win". Baltimore Sun. November 28, 2004. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- ^ "ACC champions: Hokies claim crown on road". The Roanoke Times. December 5, 2004. p. 29. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "Happy berth day]: Tech defense delivers ACC title and a probable spot in the Sugar Bowl". Richmond Times-Dispatch. December 5, 2004. pp. C1. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "Virginia Tech tops Miamia; 1st ACC title is Sugar sweet, 16-10". Baltimore Sun. December 5, 2004. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- ^ "Maroon & blue: Hurt by missed opportunities, Virginia Tech falls short against Auburt". Richmond Times-Dispatch. January 4, 2005. pp. E1. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "Midnight strikes: Tech's hope of rally falls short". The Roanoke Times. January 4, 2005. p. 15. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ Newberry, Paul (January 4, 2005). "Auburn tops Virginia Tech to finish 13-0 season: No. 3 Tigers still have slim title hopes after 16-13 Sugar Bowl Victory". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- ^ a b Cedric Humes started the first four games and Mike Imoh started the others.
- ^ Clifton was also the emergency quarterback
- ^ Josh Hyman began the season at flanker, then moved to split end for the remainder of the season.
- ^ Collegiate Times. "Former Virginia Tech football player charged with stalking". Archived from the original on May 24, 2011.