Coming up short in a potential fourth-quarter comeback, Virginia Tech football lost 26-23 to Rutgers at home but finished the game with some noteworthy stats.
For a deeper look at the ACC/Big Ten matchup, read the notable numbers below, presented by Carter Bank & Trust.
Stats with Salas
Do You Remember…
In the game on Saturday, Tech’s special teams had two successful two-point conversions. The first was a pass to Benji Gosnell, the second was a pass to Stephen Gosnell. This was the first time the Hokies had two successful two-point conversions in the same game since Nov. 11, 1989 when Rodd Wooten connected with Brian McCall and Phil Bryant against Virginia in Scott Stadium.
…The 21st Night of September
Virginia Tech is now 5-5 all-time on what has become known as Earth, Wind & Fire day. The first football game the Hokies played on Sept. 21 was a 7-0 win in 1935 against Raonoke College. The other wins on Sept. 21 were against Carawba in 1940, Rutgers in 1996, Texas A&M in 2002 and a triple overtime win against Marshall in 2013.
Comebacks
Since 1987 the Hokies have fought back to tie or take the lead when down 16 or more points in a game ten times. The 16 point deficit to Rutgers in the third quarter was the latest in a game a Tech team was down 16+ and came back to tie or take the lead. Below is a chart of the ten times the Hokies have battled back:
| Date | Opponent | Largest Deficit | Tied or Led | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 4, 2000 | Florida State | -21 2nd Qtr 11:40 | +1 3rd Qtr 2:13 | L, 29-46 |
| Sept. 6, 2010 | Boise State | -17 1st Qtr 1:11 | +1 3rd Qtr 6:34 | L, 30-33 |
| Oct. 2, 2010 | NC State | -17 2nd Qtr 14:11 | +1 4th Qtr 12:24 | W, 41-30 |
| Oct. 13, 2012 | Duke | -20 1st Qtr 3:12 | +4 3rd Qtr 13:03 | W, 41-20 |
| Sept. 13, 2014 | East Carolina | -21 1st Qtr 2:44 | Tied 4th Qtr 1:20 | L, 21-28 |
| Nov. 19, 2016 | Notre Dame | -17 2nd Qtr 6:00 | Tied 4th Qtr 9:13 | W, 34-31 |
| Dec. 29, 2016 | Arkansas | -24 2nd Qtr 10:05 | +4 4th Qtr 12:03 | W, 35-24 |
| Sept. 9, 2023 | Purdue | -17 2nd Qtr 12:39 | Tied 2nd Qtr 0:10 | L, 17-24 |
| Aug. 31, 2024 | Vanderbilt | -17 2nd Qtr 5:18 | Tied 4th Qtr 10:12 | L, 27-34 |
| Sept. 21, 2024 | Rutgers | -16 3rd Qtr 10:44 | Tied 4th Qtr 4:35 | L, 23-26 |
UniWatch
Even though it was the White Effect game, Tech wore white helmets, maroon jerseys and white pants. The Hokies are now 12-3 since 1987 in that uniform combination.
The Streak Continues
Saturday’s game marked the 374th consecutive game during which Virginia Tech has scored. The Hokies are in 4th place in both the all-time and active streak lists.
Tech…
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