Virginia Tech clinches another winning season with rout of Cincinnati

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Eager to extend a streak that began more than two decades earlier, Virginia Tech put on a performance that took some of the sting out of an otherwise disappointing season.

The Hokies’ 33-17 victory over Cincinnati in the Military Bowl on Saturday extended to 22 the number of consecutive winning seasons Virginia Tech has enjoyed under coach Frank Beamer, who watched from a perch high above the field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Beamer worked in the upstairs coaching box to avoid the risk of infection during his recovery from throat surgery. The Hokies (7-6) were making their 22nd consecutive bowl appearance under Beamer, whose last losing season at Tech was in 1992.

“He made some suggestions like, ‘Run it’ in the second half, and he contributed a lot,” said Beamer’s son, Shane, who serves as associate head coach. “There were a few grunts and groans as well. It was great to have someone with the experience he has up there contributing.”

J.C. Coleman ran for 157 yards and a touchdown, and the Hokies harassed and ultimately injured Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel to put the lid on an up-and-down season filled with too many injuries and defeats.

“Finishing 7-6 is so much better than 6-7,” linebacker Deon Clarke said. “We wanted to keep the winning streak intact. There was a lot of adversity we had to overcome and this was a great way to finish the season.”

Freshman Joey Slye kicked four field goals for the Hokies, who finally got a noteworthy victory to add to their upset at Ohio State on Sept. 6.

“I have had many proud moments in my time at Virginia Tech but this is one of my proudest,” Beamer said. “When you consider the constant adversity we have had to endure this season, it is just rewarding that we believed in one another and continued to fight.”