 In the first two games of the season , Tech followed through on that promise , winning 33 – 16 and 63 – 21 against Bowling Green and Pittsburgh , respectively . A loss to No. 3 Miami followed , but a victory over Maryland in the game that followed gave Tech a 3 – 1 record , already better than its 1992 win total . After a close loss at No. 14 West Virginia that was determined by a missed last @-@ second field goal by Tech placekicker Ryan Williams , the Hokies won five of their last six regular @-@ season games . These wins included victories over Big East opponent Syracuse and No. 23 Virginia , Tech 's traditional rival . With an 8 – 3 regular @-@ season record and ranked No. 22 in the country by the Associated Press , Tech was extended an invitation to the Independence Bowl , its first bowl bid since the 1986 Peach Bowl . 
