December 26 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA
ESPN
This was the final game in the coaching career of Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, so there were going to be a few mentions of it and perhaps a couple camera shots of Beamer on the sideline. How many? Well, let's just take a look.
Total shots of Beamer - 80
1st half - 36
2nd half - 44
Top Beamers
"Swan song"
"Twilight"
"He's just done it the right way" (said twice)
"Sending Beamer out with a win"
"Final turn"
"Frank Beamer's storied career"
"Beamer Ball" (7)/"Classic Beamer Ball"
"It would be his final one"/"Frank Beamer's final game"/"Final game" (3)
"Since he made the announcement"
"Frank Beamer gets the spotlight he deserves in his last game"
[sign seen in crowd] "Thank you, coach Beamer"
And we can't forget the countdown:
1. "One quarter left in a Frank Beamer's distinguished career"/"One quarter left in a career"
2. "The fourth quarter of Frank Beamer is about to begin"
3. "The last 11:09 of Frank Beamer's career"
4. "Retirement is probably the farthest thing from Frank Beamer's mind"
5. "Close to the end"
6. "He's hoping to march out of here with a win"
7. "That man, in his final career game"
8. "Frank Beamer's final victory"
* Assorted nonsense
- Dadi Nicolas sacked Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans on fourth down to seal the win for Virginia Tech. Announcer Ray Bentley: "The spirit of Bruce Smith jumped out!"
The spirit?
Bruce Smith has not passed away. In fact, Mr. Bentley, your network just showed him standing on the Virginia Tech sideline.
- Let's welcome a pair of new members to the Hendrick Ekpe All Stars in referee Cooper Castleberry and Tulsa wide receiver Bishop Louie.
- Other silliness from Bentley & play-by-play man Dave Lamont:
"Blue collar work ethic" (said three times)
"Once he gets his man weight, he's gonna be a beast"
"The dirt monster got him"
"Look out! Watch your Chardonnay, buddy!" (pardon me?)
"Sea legs"
"A hat for a hat" (2)