Sugar Bowl Report Card

Virginia Tech was a reversed touchdown by the review crew away from possibly beating Michigan in overtime in the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night, but instead fell, 23-20, continuing its BCS struggles as well as the ACC’s.

The Hokies (11-3) were the better football team in New Orleans, but they also made more damaging mistakes, and Michigan took advantage. Virginia Tech is now 1-5 in BCS bowls and the ACC is 2-12. The following is the Hokies’ report card from the loss:

Virginia Tech offense: The offense had its moments, especially with two terrific fourth-quarter drives to send the game into overtime. The Hokies doubled up the Wolverines in total yards (377-184), had 10 more first downs, and ran 24 more plays, but their inability to get into the end zone in the first half was costly. Logan Thomas (19-for-28, 214 yards) did a nice job moving the chains with his arm and legs (53 yards rushing). Grade: B.

Virginia Tech defense: Bud Foster’s group was mostly dominant. It held Michigan to 184 total yards, 1.9 yards per rush, and never let Denard Robinson explode. The special teams put it in some bad situations, but otherwise, the unit did more than enough to win a BCS bowl. Grade: A.

Virginia Tech intangibles: Special teams used to be a strength for the Hokies, but it has not been the same for a few years, and was at its worst on this night. Many Tech fans will blame the replay officials for incorrectly reversing Danny Coale’s “touchdown reception” in overtime, which led to a missed field goal before Michigan took possession and won with a field goal. But a roughing the punter late in the first half gave Michigan life and led to a Wolverines touchdown. Tech then fumbled the kickoff leading to a Michigan field goal, giving it 10 points (for a 10-6 lead) in the final minute of the half. And then the fake punt in the fourth quarter that led to 3 more Michigan points was inexplicable. VT special teams essentially have up 13 points. Grade: F.

Virginia Tech impact: The ACC (now 2-12 in BCS bowls) badly needed this game. With two teams in BCS bowls, the league had an opportunity to change the perception that its top teams are mediocre on a national scale. Despite the blown review call in overtime, Tech never should have been in that position. It lost because of its own mistakes and poor decisions, and that will haunt the program again into the offseason. This loss further hurts the ACC’s image. Grade: F.