Shane Beamer mobbed his father, Frank, but he was late. Bud Foster was already there as both assistant coaches rushed to embrace the beloved 69-year-old Virginia Tech patriarch.
Chuck Clark intercepted Matt Johns with 59 seconds left, securing a 23-20 win and a 23rd consecutive bowl game for the retiring Frank Beamer.
Virginia Tech (6-6, 4-4 ACC) took on the personality of its head coach over the final three games, playing with a resiliency that lifted the Hokies to a bowl game and an extension to Beamer’s career. ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported midway through the game Justin Fuente would be the Hokies’ next head coach, but the Virginia Tech players weren’t ready to wish their current coach farewell.