Bowl Game Mirrors Season, or Hope You Took The Over
As I’m posting this from a Starbucks on Euston Road in north London, in which direction I was flying on Friday night, I wasn’t able to write a game report for the Insight Bowl. Therefore, BTN would like to welcome guest writer and fellow Hokie Matt Hemler, and thank him for what I think you’ll agree is a high-quality game report. Now, on with the show.
In a game that was a metaphor for Virginia Tech’s entire season, the Hokies played well early and faded late, finding a way to lose in a 52-49 shootout with the California Golden Bears that saw well over 1000 yards of total offense in the Insight Bowl at Phoenix’s Bank One Ballpark Friday night.
Tech looked good early, staking themselves to a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. They stifled a rushing attack that had led the PAC-10, averaging 300 yards per game. Sophomore QB Aaron Rodgers missed receivers and was not as effective after Cal’s opening drive. Kevin Jones, in his last game in a VT uniform, played well, gaining 83 yards on 8 carries in the first half, finishing with 153 yards.
But in the second quarter, things started to fall apart for Tech. In the second and third quarters, Tech was outscored 35-7, giving Cal a 42-28 lead at the end of the third period. Three missed field goals by PK Carter Warley, including a chip shot from 29 yards, proved costly, each leading to a Cal touchdown on the ensuing drive. Warley also kicked the ball out of bounds on two kickoffs, giving Cal a shorter field. Each of these miscues also led to Cal touchdowns.
Tech answered at the end of the third/start of the fourth with a touchdown, but Cal came right back with a 13 play drive that spanned over 7 minutes and was capped by a 1? yard reverse to WR Vincent Strang, stretching the Bears’ lead back to 49-35.
29 December 2003 / 1 Comment / Tags: guest, football