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Virginia Tech's third-string kicker hit his 4th field goal of the game in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter against Michigan, putting the Sugar Bowl into overtime. But he missed a field goal attempt in overtime, allowing Michigan to win 23-20.
Virginia Tech dominated almost all of the first half but went into the locker room down 10-6 after a wild last minute. Michigan scored on a broken-play heave by Denard Robinson, then scored a field goal after Virginia Tech fumbled on the kickoff. The Wolverines actually faked a field goal for another first down, with the wounded duck throw tipped by two Hokies and caught by a linemen, before settling for a chip shot and a 10-6 lead.
For the first 29 minutes of the half Virginia Tech stuffed Michigan's offense and moved the ball well themselves, particularly on 3rd down. Michigan's first series was terrible due to the temporary loss of starting center David Molk, who injured a foot in pre-game warmups. The first two shotgun snaps were screwballs and Robinson nearly fumbled both of them and couldn't salvage the plays.
Molk returned for the 2nd series but the Wolverine offense wasn't in rhythm against the Hokies. Virginia Tech's offense had several long drives, converting multiple 3rd-and-long plays resulting in two field goals by third-string kicker Justin Myer. The first scoring drive reached inside the Michigan five, but David Wilson attempted to reverse field, slipped, and backtracked 22 yards in all.
After the two field goals the Hokies drove inside the Michigan 5 again but failed on a 4th-and-1.
Michigan's touchdown drive was initially stopped but a roughing the punter penalty kept it going. Robinson was in trouble and almost caught, but he found Junior Hemingway who wrestled the ball from a defender and sped to the end zone for a 7-6 Michigan lead with 30 seconds left in the half. The field goal was added by Brendan Gibbons as time expired.
Halftime Score: Michigan 10, Virginia Tech 6
Robinson nearly had two passes intercepted—one was overruled, the other called pass interference—but following a pick of Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas, Robinson found Junior Hemingway for a jump ball at the back of the end zone. Michigan led 17-6.
Virginia Tech got their third field goal of the night from Myer to cut the lead to 17-9. Later the Hokies embarked on a long drive wherein Thomas rushed for a 1st down on 4th and 11 in Michigan territory, then scored on a 1-yard sneak. He converted a 2-point play to tie the game at 17 with 10 minutes left.
The Hokies stopped Michigan again, but were stopped themselves at midfield. They tried a fake punt which failed, giving the Wolverines good field position; that led to a field goal as Michigan regained the lead, 20-17.
Virginia Tech drove yet again and got into field goal position with seconds left for Myer's 4th converted attempt, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime period: Logan Thomas hit Danny Coale in the end zone but the touchdown was overruled, and Myer finally missed on his fifth attempt. Michigan set up Gibbons for a field goal and won the game, 23-20.
Robinson was only 9 of 21 passing for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns, with one interception and two very-near interceptions called back. Logan Thomas was better for the Hokies, with 214 passing yards and 53 yards on the ground to Robinson's 13.
Michigan ends the year 11-2, their first double-digit-win season since 2006. Virginia Tech fell to 11-3, but it was their 7th double-digit win season in a row.
More previews and results: View the complete 2011-2012 bowl game schedule.
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All these overtime games! Wow!
Posted by: Donovan | January 06, 2012 at 04:02 AM