Beamer denied perfect Blacksburg sendoff as Tar Heels clinch ACC Coastal
Frank Beamer was carried off on the shoulders of his Virginia Tech players, a program's defining patriarch leaving Lane Stadium for the final time.
It was the perfect sendoff -- almost.
No. 17 North Carolina escaped Blacksburg with a 30-27 overtime win Saturday, sealing the ACC Coastal Division and leaving the Hokies one victory away from clinching a final bowl bid for its outgoing coach.
"I'm really proud of our football team, who battled all day and didn't give up," Beamer told reporters. "I'm proud as can be."
Beamer Ball became the Hokies calling card during the coach's 29-year run, and it was a taste of that magic that put Virginia Tech on the verge of the upset.
Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams fumbled, and five plays later, Michael Brewer hit Isaiah Ford in the middle of the end zone for a 4-yard TD on fourth-and-2 to pull even at 24-24 with 1:14 to play.
That turnover was the second Williams fumble the Hokies had recovered (North Carolina retained possession on the third), underscoring what has been an undeniable strength for Virginia Tech.
Beamer's crew entered the day tied with three other schools (Houston, Navy and Tulsa) with an FBS-best 12 fumbles recovered, and notched two more against a Tar Heels offense that hadn't turned the ball over in three straight games, and in the previous 10, had lost just two fumbles.
The upset bid stalled in overtime as the Hokies had to settle on a 41-yard Joey Slye field goal, while the Tar Heels countered with Williams hitting Quinshad Davis for a 5-yard score on a back shoulder throw.
The crowd chanted "Thank you Beamer" in the closing seconds, a moment that wasn't lost on the coach.
Opening comments pic.twitter.com/6E27eZnpRG
— #ThanksFrank (@VT_Football) November 21, 2015
"I saw a lot of signs today appreciating me, but really, I appreciate them," Beamer said.
As storybook as it could have been for Beamer, the Tar Heels winning must ultimately be seen as for the greater good of the ACC.
Winners of 10 straight since a season-opening loss to South Carolina, North Carolina set up a clash with top-ranked Clemson in the conference championship game that -- should the Tar Heels get past NC State in Raleigh and the Tigers drop the Gamecocks on the road -- would be a marquee showcase for the league.
It may end up being Clemson's final push to make the College Football Playoff or North Carolina's argument to gain its own spot in the the final four. But the fact the ACC can enter its last week with two potential playoff threats only strengthens the league's standing.
There was a finality about the proceedings in Blacksburg, but the reality is neither Virginia Tech nor its coach are done just yet.
At 5-6, the Hokies extend their 22-year bowl streak -- which trails only Florida State at 33 straight -- with a win over struggling Virginia, which hasn't beaten its in-state rival since 2003.
Chances are, Beamer will get to put an opportunity to make one final statement, one last victory to cap his unparalleled career. But in his last home game he at least gave us a glimpse of the mark he left on Virginia Tech.
A program-record 278 wins. Beamer Ball. It wasn't the house that Frank Beamer built, but there's no denying he was the reason there wasn't en empty seat in Lane Stadium.
Follow Cory McCartney on Twitter @coryjmccartney
