For so long this season, the focus was on Virginia Tech’s drive towards a possible national championship berth. After the Hokies lost to Miami, it created a palpable hangover in Blacksburg. But now that things have settled and the Hokies are headed to the ACC championship game, Virginia Tech still has a couple of chances to advance the state of the program, and in the case of Coach Frank Beamer, his own personal reputation.

Virginia Tech football has come a long way since 1992, their last losing
season and their last season without a bowl bid. From the time the Hokies walked
off the field after their 41-38 loss to Virginia on November 21st, 1992, the
program has rapidly progressed to the status of annual top ten rankings,
conference championships and BCS bowl bids. Not every year has been a step
forward, of course, but when you take a macro view of things, Hokie football has
been on the rise for 13 years now.

As you get closer and closer to the top of the mountain, though, there’s a
lot more ground behind you than in front. Opportunities to continue to advance
the program become as scarce as Rutgers bowl bids. Virginia Tech has now won
multiple conference championships, been to four BCS bowls, hit the 10-win mark
six times in the last ten years, and played for a national championship. There’s
not much left undone, except for that elusive national title.

But despite the loss of a shot at a national championship this year, there’s
still a lot for Virginia Tech to play for. There’s the ACC championship and
another BCS bowl bid, but I’m talking about more than that. There’s pride,
perception, recruiting, and the legacy of their coach.

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