1984 Independence Bowl - Statistical Summary

Statistical Summary

The 23 points Tech allowed in the game marked just the third time that season Virginia Tech allowed more than 20 points in a game. For his performance in the game, Air Force quarterback Bart Weiss was named the game's most valuable player on offense. Virginia Tech linebacker Vince Daniels was named the game's most valuable defensive player. Daniels had a game-leading 15 tackles, tying a Tech bowl-game record set by Ashley Lee in the 1981 Peach Bowl. The record still stands today. Meanwhile, Weiss completed six of his seven passes for 49 yards. His main success came rushing the ball, as he carried it 29 times for 93 yards and a touchdown.

Virginia Tech's leading rusher was Eddie Hunter, who carried the ball 12 times for 75 yards. Tech quarterback Mark Cox finished the game having completed just six of his 17 passes for 50 passing yards and one interception. In total, Tech turned the ball over four times—twice via interceptions and twice via lost fumbles.

Bruce Smith finished the game with a single sack and eight tackles, and cited his poor performance on the time spent away from practice and in court. Other Virginia Tech players cited the court battle as a distraction during game preparations, and it was also thought that many Air Force players were inspired by the increased media coverage given Virginia Tech. Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry said he thought the storm of pre-game publicity about Smith helped his team. "It seemed like everybody forgot the Air Force was in town," he said. "The thing that motivated the team was the challenge of playing against them with him in the lineup."

Virginia Tech set several bowl game records in the Independence Bowl that still stand today. Tech allowed just two passing first downs, seven pass attempts and 49 passing yards on defense. Conversely, the Hokies allowed 55 rushing attempts by Air Force, a record for the most against Tech in a bowl game. Bart Weiss set a bowl-game record for most carries by a single player against Tech, and Falcons punter Mark Simon kicked a 63-yard punt that is the longest ever kicked by a Tech opponent in a bowl game.