 Following the turnover , Indiana 's offense began work at its 32 @-@ yard line . Despite the opportunity presented by the interception , the Hoosiers were unable to gain a first down and punted back to Virginia Tech . Tech 's Steve Sanders returned the kick to the Tech 27 @-@ yard line , and Tech 's offense returned to the field . The Hokie offense was no more successful than Indiana 's had been , and Tech punted after going three and out . Following the kick and a short return , the Hoosiers began work at their 41 @-@ yard line . After being stopped for no gain on two consecutive plays , Paci completed a long pass to Tech 's 40 @-@ yard line for the Hoosiers ' first first down of the second half . Indiana continued advancing the ball via short passes , but came up one yard short of a first down . Instead of punting on fourth down , Indiana attempted to gain the first down via a rush up the middle . Tech 's defense held fast , and Indiana turned the ball over after failing to gain the needed yard . 
