1) Obviously the first key play was the interception by DJ Parker on Clemson's first series. When he returned that for a TD it set the tone for the first half, shut the crowd up, and shook Clemson's confidence especially following their loss to Georgia Tech the previous week. Clemson would go without a first down for 21 minutes to open the game. Wow.
2) Facing 4th and goal in the 4th quarter with 11 minutes left and trailing 31-15, Clemson QB Cullen Harper escaped pressure and found C.J. Spiller for a TD.........BUT Spiller had stepped out of the back of the end zone first before he caught the ball, nullifying the score and giving VT the ball. This play was HUGE because Clemson had all the momentum and a score in that situation might have made it a one score game with a ton of time left.
3) Despite stopping Clemson, VT which hadn't converted a first down in 9 minutes faced a 3rd and 4 with 8:30 left in the game from it's own 12 yard line. Failing to convert here would give Clemson the ball back, in good field position, still with enough time to make it dangerous. Despite being harrassed and hassled all night, Hokie QB Tyrod Taylor again showed the poise and athletic ability that made him the starter. Dropping back to pass, his read was covered, so he pulled the ball down and escaped down the near sideline for a 52 yard gallop. This led to the clinching FG that secured the game for the Hokies.
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