Click here for all previous parts of the series

With an Independence Bowl bid secured, Virginia Tech traveled to Charlottesville in a loose mood with something to prove. The Hokies had not won in Scott Stadium since 1985, and UVA had beaten No. 13 North Carolina in Scott earlier in the year. The showdown marked the first time both teams were nationally ranked going into the game (UVA was No. 23 in the AP; Tech was No. 25), and the Cavaliers were six-point favorites. But defensive tackle Jeff Holland returned a fumble eight yards for a touchdown, defensive end Cornell Brown had two sacks, running back Dwayne Thomas rushed for 89 yards, and the Hokies won 20-17.

Late in the game, Virginia Tech stopped Virginia on 4^th-and-3 at the Cavalier 29. After taking possession, the Hokies proceeded to lose 23 yards, back to their own 48-yard line, while trying to run out the clock. With nine seconds left, they had to punt the ball safety and make the tackle to secure the win. Suddenly a routine play took on a huge amount of pressure.

...