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Beamer wins nail biter in Independence Bowl, health concerns arise
By Jessi Lee
Published:
Virginia Tech and Hokies head coach Frank Beamer began the Independence Bowl in a wild and loud fashion, making it the highest scoring first half in bowl history.
But in the second half, Tulsa held the Hokies to just 10 points and came back within three points. Virginia Tech was saved by two sacks in a row in the final moments of the game.
The 55-52 win over marked the final game of Beamer’s career, and fittingly, it was also a milestone: 280 wins.
Twitter was alive with Beamer supporters:
I'm assuming that, other than Tulsa alumni, everyone in America is pulling for VT and Frank Beamer. Go Hokies!
— Gray Robertson (@gray_robertson) December 27, 2015
I really hope Frank Beamer doesn't lose this game. #IndependenceBowl
— Robbie O'Bryan (@RCOII) December 27, 2015
Really hope that the Hokies can hold on here for a W in Frank Beamer's final game! #IndependenceBowl
— Kitch ?? (@kitchtrips) December 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/ScottyShorts/status/680938675929247744
https://twitter.com/LYoungblood42/status/680941912384225280
I have no personal feelings about Virginia Tech but I'm really sweatin for Frank Beamer
— Jane (@inthecalzone) December 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/TomFornelli/status/680941791999311872
Really hope Va Tech hangs on for Frank Beamer's last game, I'd love to see him go out with a win #IndependenceBowl #ThanksFrank
— College Football Guy (@CFBguy) December 27, 2015
Good for Frank Beamer. A winner no matter how he went out tonight. But happy for him he got this one.
— Sal Capaccio ? (@SalSports) December 27, 2015
But there were a lot of viewers pulling for the underdog:
https://twitter.com/Riley_Allen51/status/680942287807905792
https://twitter.com/hippelsportshub/status/680942581404975104
And there were some viewers criticizing Beamer as a coach:
Losing this game would be the most Frank Beamer thing ever.
— Bic (@BicBuck) December 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/bobbalfesports/status/680940102462341122
https://twitter.com/brettatlas/status/680940984914546688
This is why Frank Beamer is retiring. #Tulsa
— brad adkins (@bradkins15) December 27, 2015
But it wasn’t just his coaching skills that got negative attention tonight:
Frank Beamer does not look good. Flipped over to see that post game interview and almost started crying
— Nikki Wolfe (@Nikki704) December 27, 2015
frank beamer does not look well
— pdt (@oumensa) December 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/Alex_holden15/status/680939810220015616
https://twitter.com/myportion4ever/status/680939798211735552
And these were just a few of many voiced concerns over Beamer’s health and the way he looked during the Independence Bowl.
Still, Beamer seemed grateful and healthy after the win:
"We don't always play well but we always play hard." -Frank Beamer's last statement as Virginia Tech's Football Coach
— fupsduck (@fupsduck) December 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/biolomgee/status/680944444816818176
Beamer will be missed by many of the Virginia Tech faithful, but concerns surrounding his health and appearance remind us the retirement is necessary.
