It was tougher than it needed to be, but Virginia Tech sent Frank Beamer out in style.
The Hokies held on for a 55-52 win over Tulsa in a record-setting Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana. Virginia Tech held off a furious Tulsa fourth-quarter rally to and send its legendary coach out with a win.
Here's how it happened:
How the game was won: The Hokies' offense began the game on fire, scoring on seven straight possessions to start the game including touchdowns on six of those possessions. Tulsa matched them initially, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions but the Hokies defense buckled down to force Tulsa to punt on four of its next five chances while Virginia Tech's offense continued its lethal efficiency.