Virginia Tech handled Cincinnati in a wild Military Bowl Saturday, beating the Bearcats 33-17. The game saw four turnovers and seven different quarterbacks between the two teams -- just the kind of game Frank Beamer’s Hokies thrive in.
2014 Military Bowl final score: Virginia Tech beats Cincinnati, 33-17
Seven quarterbacks and four turnovers? Sounds like Beamer Ball!
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati’s vertical offense tested Virginia Tech early, but the Hokies’ strong secondary was able to handle the aerial attack. The Bearcats missed two early opportunities, coming away with no points. Their first play from scrimmage went 40 yards, but four plays later Andrew Gantz missed a 51-yard field goal. Cincinnati’s next drive brought them deep into Virginia Tech territory, but Gunner Kiel’s pass was intercepted in the end zone by Kendall Fuller.
Cincinnati ended that Virginia Tech drive with an interception of their own, and Kiel found Chris Moore with another deep bomb for the game-tying score. A big penalty and a long completion led to a short touchdown run by J.C. Coleman, allowing the Hokies to tie it up before the end of the first.
The two teams traded field goals in the second quarter, with Virginia Tech taking the 13-10 halftime edge after a long Der’Woun Greene kick return set up a half-ending field goal for Joey Slye. The Hokies were also able to pick off Kiel against in the period, bringing in this highlight-reel interception.
via ESPN
The Hokies scored soon out of the gate in the second half, when Michael Brewer found Ryan Malleck in the end zone. Virginia Tech's next score put the Bearcats away for good. Kiel was hit hard in the backfield, coughing up the ball and getting hurt in the process. Kiel did not return, limiting Cincinnati to a combination of third-stringer Michael Colosimo and wide receiver Shaq Washington at quarterback, severely limiting their offensive gameplan. To make matters worse, the fumble was returned for one of the weirdest touchdowns of the early bowl season.
With the win, Virginia Tech keeps alive their streak of 22 straight seasons without a losing record, improving to 7-6 on the season.
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