via www.box.net

For purposes of discussion/argument, I'm defining a hidden play as any play that has a significant impact on the outcome of the game, but is rarely discussed on the highlights or post-game analysis.  Saturday's hidden play occurred with 13:20 remaining in the 4th quarter and Virginia Tech facing 3rd and less than 1 from their own 37.  They were actually riding a bit of momentum, with the quarter already featuring a rare Julio drop on Bama's previous possession (on 3rd down, no less), a nice run after catch by a Hokies WR to get a 1st down, and a frantic timeout by McClain just before the Hokies snapped the ball on this 3rd down play.

Coming out of the timeout, VT lined up in the I-formation, Taylor handed off to Williams, and he took it around the right end for a 1st down at the 44.  However, Tech right guard, Greg Nosal, was caught for the hold pictured above, a breakdown in fundamentals that knocked the Hokies back 10 yards ... from which they never recovered.  In fact, the next several plays went like this: Taylor incomplete pass; VT punt with nifty 14 yd Arenas return; G-Mac deep to Maze for 48 yards; Ingram TD; G-Mac to Peek for 2-point conversion; VT fumble on ensuing kickoff, Bama settles for FG.  In just under 3 minutes of game time, the Tide went from down 17-16 to up 27-17 and that two-possession cushion essentially meant game over.