BLACKSBURG -- Virginia Tech linebacker Cody Grimm and rover Matt Reidy were sitting on the home sideline when the Hokies' offense ran on the field for what would prove to be the game-winning drive in Saturday's 16-15 conquest of Nebraska.

"I was sitting on the bench next to Reidy, and I'm like, 's---, I don't think we're going to win this one,' " Grimm said, laughing. "Then I'm watching the big screen, and I hear the crowd start to roar ... like Tyrod [Taylor] has still got the ball and I said 'someone has gotta be open deep' because they were yelling before the ball even went up in the air.

"I saw him step up, then I saw Danny [Coale] run up our sideline and I'm like, 'Gosh, please catch this.' "

The sure-handed Coale snared the perfectly thrown pass and took it 81 yards to the Nebraska 3-yard line to set up Tech's game-winning score three plays later. Coale caught the ball that went approximately 60 yards in the air at the Nebraska 33-yard line. He appeared to be en route to a touchdown until Huskers safety Matt O'Hanlon took him down with a shoestring tackle.

Coale said after the game he thought he had gotten into the end zone. But after a replay review, officials ruled that Coale's right foot had grazed the right out-of-bounds line.

In 17 career games, Coale has caught 41 passes. But the redshirt sophomore has yet to score a touchdown.

"He still can't get in the end zone, though," said Grimm, laughing. "Typical Danny. We always mess with him because he hasn't been in the end zone yet."

Never a doubt

Hokies defensive end Jason Worilds said there was never a doubt on the sideline that the offense wouldn't pull out the game on its final possession. Tech, which had 190 total yards at that point, went 88 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

"I think the people on the sideline, the team never doubted," he said. "Of course, everybody else is, but that's what everybody else does. That was a major statement for the offense, and a big statement towards everybody whoever doubts."

Personnel dept.

Tech was without senior cornerback Stephan Virgil for a second straight game. Virgil, the Hokies' best defensive back, injured his left knee late in the season opener against Alabama and hasn't played since. Sophomore Eddie Whitley got his first college start in Virgil's absence. Whitley played the field corner spot, while Rashad Carmichael manned Virgil's boundary corner position for a second straight week. Virgil is expected back this week. ... Long snapper Collin Carroll sprained an ankle in the second quarter and didn't return.

On deck

The Hokies will face their third-ranked opponent in four games when Miami (2-0) visits Lane Stadium at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. It will be the ACC opener for Tech. The Hurricanes are off to their best start since 2004, opening with ACC wins at then-No. 18 Florida State 38-34, and at home over No. 14 Georgia Tech last Thursday. The Hurricanes beat the Hokies 16-14 last year.