Beamer Prepares for Final Game of Coaching Career

Frank Beamer and the Hokies beat Tulsa 55-5 in the Independence Bowl on Saturday night.

Retiring coach Frank Beamer acknowledges Virginia Tech fans after…

Ford’s 75 receptions in 2015 are a new Tech record as well, and with 131 career catches, Ford is #3 on Tech’s career receptions list, after only two seasons.

Virginia Tech’s defense did not live up to expectations this season, but it’s still encouraging for Tulsa to put up such huge numbers against the Hokies.

The Hokies were then able to run out the clock for a 55-52 victory.

“I’d say for the football team … the way we hang in there and keep battling, and we got up against a quarterback tonight who really threw well”.

The 69-year-old Beamer announced in November he would retire following the season.

Both Tulsa and Virginia Tech will face off against one another with 6-6 records on the season.

“The first time, we came to Shreveport, I left here a happy guy”, an elated Beamer said afterward “The last time I come to Shreveport, I leave here a happy guy”. I’m gonna come back to Shreveport sometime just for the hell of it.

Here’s Travis Wells with more from Shreveport, Louisiana on the Hokies historic win. The combined 76 points was easily the most in the bowl’s 40 years.

Tulsa’s Evans completed 27 of 44 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. On the ground, D’Angelo Brewer had 732 yards and four touchdowns while Zach Langer added 714 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The Hokies hadn’t scored more than 30 points since a 45-43 loss to Duke on October 24 but scored on their first seven possessions against Tulsa, including six touchdowns.

Miami (8-5) lost its sixth consecutive bowl game.

Rush Defense: Virginia Tech allowed 189 yards rushing, most of which were of the big-play variety.

Beamer and the Hokies have made it to 23 straight bowl games, dating back to 1993 when Tech defeated Indianan 45-20 in the Independence bowl.

Tulsa’s Keyarris Garrett became the NCAA receiving yardage leader this season after catching eight passes for 137 yards and a touchdown.

The Golden Hurricane offense quickly moved to midfield, but a pair of Hokies seniors, Luther Maddy and Dadi Nicolas, registered two huge sacks to force a turnover on downs.

Tulsa advanced to a first down at its 46.

“Finally got one”, Stroman said. “But I’m proud of our football team”. I give them credit.

But on Saturday, it was all about Beamer, who praised his players and Virginia Tech’s administration for sticking with him for 29 seasons and 238 victories.

“I got teary-eyed this morning walking out of the hotel for the last time with Coach Beamer”, Ford said. I looked up, and all I saw was my teammates running to me on the field.

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