Hokie ClubThe Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the most pivotal game of the season, facing off in the Super Bowl. This game will ultimately decide who clinches the Vince Lombardi Trophy and claims the title of the champion of Super Bowl LVII.
Our NFL Hokies are extending their seasons, both on the field and in the coaching ranks, providing Virginia Tech fans with two teams to rally behind in the finale of the 2023-2024 season.
Read below for a review of performances from the Conference Championships and the featured matchup for Super Bowl LVII in this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola.
Conference Championship Review
The AFC championship game came as quite a shock as the number No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens were knocked off by the Kansas City Chiefs in a close game at M&T Bank Stadium. This was the Chiefs' sixth consecutive appearance in the conference title game. Offensively quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce found holes in the top-ranked Ravens' defense with their quick passing game. Kelce caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, leading the team in receiving yards. Mahomes had another impressive game with 30 of 39 pass completions for 241 yards and received assistance on the ground from running back Isaiah Pacheco who finished the game with 24 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown.
The Chiefs' defense overcame adversity heading into this game, holding the Ravens to just one touchdown and a fourth-quarter 45-yard field goal by kicker Justin Tucker. The Ravens remained scoreless for two quarters, after the connection between quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first quarter. NFL Hokie, safety Chamarri Conner, has made waves in his rookie year, amassing two tackles against the Ravens following his season-high performance against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round.
On the NFC side, the Detroit Lions initially dominated the San Francisco 49ers, securing an early lead and ending the first half up 24-7. However, their advantage quickly diminished by the 3-minute mark of the fourth quarter, leaving the Lions facing a 10-point deficit. The 49ers staged an impressive 17-point comeback against the Lions, marking one of the largest NFC title game comebacks in history. This victory also marked the 49ers' 38th playoff victory, the most by any team in NFL history.
Quarterback Brock Purdy played a pivotal role in the 49ers' comeback, securing his fourth playoff win. Purdy completed 20 of 31 passes for 267 yards and a touchdown. Alongside Purdy, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was instrumental in rallying the Niners to victory. Aiyuk's highlight moment came with Purdy's 51-yard pass that deflected off a defender's facemask into Aiyuk's hands for a crucial touchdown in the following drive.
Additionally, running back Christian McCaffrey contributed significantly to the 49ers' offensive effort, leading the team in rushing with 20 carries for 90 yards, including two touchdowns. Deebo Samuel also impressed fans by coming back from injury and forcing six missed tackles as a receiver and two more as a runner. There have only been five instances of a wide receiver forcing six missed tackles in a game this season, and Samuel owns two of them.
The 49ers' success can also be attributed to the contributions of NFL Hokie coaches Nick Sorenson and Darryl Tapp. Sorenson, serving as Defensive Assistant, and Tapp, as Assistant Defensive Line coach, played vital roles in making defensive adjustments that stifled Detroit's offensive drives in the second half.
Super Bowl LVII
San Francisco at Kansas City Chiefs: Sunday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. ET – CBS
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, will be facing off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This highly anticipated matchup serves as a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, where the Chiefs emerged victorious with a 31-20 win over the 49ers. The 49ers are seeking redemption, aiming to avenge their previous loss.
This Super Bowl showdown also makes history, marking just the fourth time in NFL history that two head coaches, Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan, have met in a Super Bowl at least two times.
One standout player to watch in this matchup is Conner, who has successfully made it to the Super Bowl in his rookie season. Conner has received glowing reviews from the Chiefs coaching staff, with defensive back coach Dave Merrit praising his versatility, stating, "He's probably the only rookie that I've ever had play four different positions because that is what he's doing. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've had another guy that has done that. A super smart young man."
The San Francisco defense faces a significant challenge in containing the explosive Chiefs offense. Coaches Sorenson and Tapp will be put to the test in devising innovative strategies, utilizing key players like defensive end Nick Bosa to disrupt the Chiefs' offensive rhythm.
For fans, this Super Bowl presents a final opportunity to see their favorite former Virginia Tech Hokie shine on the biggest stage of the season.