Originally posted by reyesy13:
you want stats:
VT had more offensive total yards
VT had more first downs
They both tied in turnovers (AU-1 fumble, i int/VT-2 int)
The difference was that AU got it done in the redzone where VT couldn't...and also, time of possession always plays a big role in the 4th Qtr, which was held by AU...
If VT didn't miss a 23 yard field goal, it would have been over for AU...who misses a chipshot in the 4th qtr other than the bills?



Offensive yards: well there is an interesting discussion. 109 of VT's yards came on two plays, 29 on their first TD pass with 6:58 left in the game and 80 on the second 2:01 left. Until VT scored their possessions ended with Punt, Interception, Punt, Downs, Punt, Punt, Punt, Missed FG. In 53:02 minutes of football they gained a whopping 209 yards and scored zero points.

So while you think it was oh so close of an upset, it was really never in doubt after AU scored with 10:39 left in the 3rd. AU spent the entire 4th quarter running out the clock (AU time of possesion: 10:34 or 70%), how else to explain the play selection...
AU rush plays: 18 13 straight to finish the game
AU pass plays: 1
Care to guess the play calling on a drive starting at the VT 39 following an interception with 3:32 remaining? Yep, three straight runs followed by a punt--from the VT 37!! Yeah that *really* sounds like AU was worried about losing.

Would they have beat USC? No one knows, but they, and any undefeated team from a BCS conference, should have had a shot. After all, isn't that "why they play the game?"

-- 1999 SVT #220 -- In retrospect, it was all downhill from here. RIP, CEG.