With a little over a minute left on the clock, Virginia Tech freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor knew what had to be done, with the Hokies trailing 24-21 over their in-state rivals, the University of Virginia Cavaliers.

"I had already lost one game for the team, and I knew I couldn't lose another," Taylor said.

As the play began, Taylor saw Hokies receiver Eddie Royal sprinting down the sideline, with no one in site. A loft to Royal was placed perfectly into his hands, resulting in the go-ahead touchdown with only 57 ticks left on the clock.

"I couldn't believe it," Royal said. "No one was around me and I prayed that Tyrod would see me."

That touchdown proved to be the final nail in UVA's coffin, giving the Hokies a slim 28-24 victory, winning the Commonwealth Cup for the fourth straight year in the process.

Taylor's late game touchdown added to the three he threw earlier in the game, a perfect turnaround for the young star after the disappointing Miami loss.

"What I like most about this kid is his ability to get back out there with a level head," Hokies head coach Justin Jett said. "He doesn't let the bad throws or the bad games shake him up."

With the victory, the Hokies are still in contention for the ACC championship game to be played in Jacksonville, Florida. Regardless, all the players can think about is what could have been.

"It's disappointing that we can't play for a national championship," senior linebacker Vince Hall said. "That's what I came here to do, to win a national championship."