A Happy Hokies Comeback

In the immediate aftermath of Virginia Tech’s euphoric 16-15 win over Nebraska, the most obvious comparison to Tyrod Taylor’s late-game heroics traced back to Michael Vick’s last-minute, game-winning drive over West Virginia in the 1999 season.

But there was another recent game that resembled the Hokies’ victory over Nebraska. But it was a painful memory. Virginia Tech was on the wrong side of history last time.

Matt Ryan, anyone?

In 2007, Ryan led No. 2 Boston College to stunning 14-10 victory over the No. 8 Hokies after his offense bumbled and stumbled through the first three quarters in Blacksburg, Va.

Ryan led two scoring drives in the game’s final 4 minutes 16 seconds, each of which he completed with touchdown passes. The winning touchdown was a 24-yard heave off one foot, to running back Andre Callender with 11 seconds remaining.

It was a painful loss for the Hokies. But Virginia Tech exacted some revenge by winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game over the Eagles, 30-16, later that year.

Asked if Saturday’s game reminded him of the Boston College loss in 2007, Coach Frank Beamer said: “It does, no question. We’ve been in a couple the other way around.”

The irony is that Ryan’s dramatic display – like Taylor’s – also immediately drew a comparison to a performance in his school’s history by a famous former quarterback. But unlike Virginia Tech’s heartbreaking 2007 loss to the Eagles, it was a happy memory for Boston College.

Doug Flutie, anyone?