Instant Analysis: No Thursday Lane Magic
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With a sold out Lane Stadium crowd roaring and Virginia Tech driving in the red zone late in the fourth quarter, there was a feeling of another improbable, Thursday night win. There's been a few big wins on Thursday nights in past years.
But this wasn't one of those nights.
Florida State rallied from a 22-20 deficit with just over two minutes to go to take down the Hokies 28-22. The deciding score came with 40 seconds left in the game, when Seminoles quarterback E.J. Manuel found sophomore wide receiver Rashad Greene for a 30-yard touchdown pass.
But the deflation from deciding score was set up on the drive that rejuvenated the home crowd more than any other this season.
That drive was stopped when Hokies junior quarterback Logan Thomas was short of a first down on third down and three, getting to the four yard-line. Virginia Tech settled for a 21-yard field goal by junior Cody Journell with 2:19 remaining.
The Hokies had a 22-20 lead, but there just seemed to be a feeling that there was too much time on the clock. Florida State had driven 71 yards in five plays in 1:58 just before halftime to take a 13-10 lead into the intermission.
Staistically, Virginia Tech had control of the game. The Hokies outgained the Seminoles 385-311 and held them to -15 yards rushing.
But the difference came with Virginia Tech's inability to close each half defensively. Of Florida State's total yards, 139 came on the two half-ending drives.
Then, as has been the case much of the season, another mistake truly sealed the game. Thomas threw an interception with 27 seconds left, ending any chance at a comeback.
This certainly wasn't the same team we'd seen lose 30-12 to Miami last week. But the Jekyl and Hyde Hokies now have to win two of their final three games to even qualify for a bowl game.
Which team will show up at Boston College next week?
A Thursday night at Lane Stadium provided yet another glimpse of what could have been for Virginia Tech this season.
But could've been won't get the Hokies to a bowl.