Virginia Tech Football: 5 plays that defined the 2023 season

3. Fake Punt Against Wake Forest

Yes, the Lane touchdown was a huge play and kept the Hokies in the lead of a game that they basically needed to win after losing at Florida State the week before. A home loss to the Demon Deacons would have been devastating to Virginia Tech’s bowl hopes. You get the feeling that Pry also felt that way in the second half. 

Leading 17-10 in the third quarter and facing a fourth down at midfield, Pry called for a fake punt and Cole Nelson took the direct snap and went 18 yards for a first down. The Hokies finished the drive with a John Love 26-yard field goal with 49 seconds left in the quarter for a 20-10 lead on their way to a 30-13 victory. That call showed that Pry had confidence in his team to pull off the play and make a statement in a game that they needed in terms of having a chance to become bowl-eligible.