The 1972 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team was an American football team that represented Virginia Tech as an independent during the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. In their second year under head coach Charlie Coffey, the Gobblers compiled an overall record of 6âÂÂ4âÂÂ1.
The 1972 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University as an independent during the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. Led by second-year head coach Charlie Coffey, the Gobblers played their home games at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech finished the season with a record of 6âÂÂ4âÂÂ1. Virginia Tech opened the season with consecutive road losses to Virginia (24âÂÂ20) and No. 17 Florida State (27âÂÂ15). The team rebounded with a 13âÂÂ10 home win over SMU and a 27âÂÂ27 tie against Houston. In midseason, the Gobblers won three straight games, including a 34âÂÂ32 victory over Oklahoma State and a 53âÂÂ21 road win at Ohio. A narrow 17âÂÂ16 loss to William & Mary ended the streak, but Tech closed the season with wins over Southern Mississippi (27âÂÂ14), South Carolina (45âÂÂ20), and Wake Forest (44âÂÂ9), offset by a 52âÂÂ13 loss at Alabama. Quarterback Don Strock led the nation in passing yards with 3,243, completing 63.1% of his passes for 21 touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Scales recorded 826 receiving yards, while fullback Tommy Barber led the team in rushing with 624 yards. Virginia Tech averaged 27.9 points per game and ranked first nationally in passing offense, totaling 3,348 yards through the air. Defensively, the Gobblers allowed 23.0 points per game and 253 total points on the season. Linebacker Mike Widger and defensive back Ron Davidson were among the teamâÂÂs top tacklers. Virginia Tech outgained opponents by over 495 total yards and finished with a +54 point differential. The 1972 season marked a statistical high point for the programâÂÂs passing attack and helped establish Lane Stadium as a growing venue for major college football.
Virginia Tech opened the season with a 24âÂÂ20 loss to in-state rival Virginia at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. Quarterback Don Strock threw touchdown passes to Mike Scales and Ken Edwards, finishing with 287 yards through the air. The Gobblers led 20âÂÂ17 entering the fourth quarter, but Virginia scored the game-winning touchdown with under five minutes remaining. Attendance: 31,300.
Virginia Tech fell 27âÂÂ15 to No. 17 Florida State in Tallahassee. Don Strock threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Mike Scales and completed 27 of 45 passes for 312 yards. Dave Strock added a 32-yard field goal. Florida State capitalized on two Tech turnovers and controlled the second half. Attendance: 36,400.
Virginia Tech earned its first win of the season with a 13âÂÂ10 victory over SMU at Lane Stadium. Don Strock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Mike Scales and passed for 278 yards. Dave Strock kicked two field goals, including the game-winner from 27 yards out in the fourth quarter. Attendance: 26,000.
Virginia Tech and Houston played to a 27âÂÂ27 tie in Blacksburg. Don Strock threw three touchdown passesâÂÂtwo to Mike Scales and one to Ken EdwardsâÂÂand finished with 407 passing yards. Dave Strock added a 24-yard field goal. Houston tied the game with a late touchdown drive. Attendance: 26,000.
Virginia Tech upset No. 19 Oklahoma State 34âÂÂ32 at Lane Stadium. Don Strock threw touchdown passes to Mike Scales, Ken Edwards, and tight end Bob Smith, totaling 336 passing yards. Dave Strock kicked two field goals, including the game-winner from 38 yards with under a minute remaining. Attendance: 36,000.
Virginia Tech routed Ohio 53âÂÂ21 in Athens. Don Strock threw four touchdown passesâÂÂtwo to Mike Scales and one each to Ken Edwards and Bob SmithâÂÂand passed for 310 yards. Tommy Barber added a rushing touchdown, and Dave Strock kicked a 42-yard field goal. Attendance: 13,344.
Virginia Tech fell 17âÂÂ16 to William & Mary in the Tobacco Bowl at City Stadium in Richmond. Don Strock threw touchdown passes to Mike Scales and Ken Edwards, but Dave Strock missed a potential game-winning field goal in the final minute. Attendance: 22,000.
Virginia Tech defeated Southern Miss 27âÂÂ14 at Lane Stadium. Don Strock threw touchdown passes to Mike Scales and Bob Smith, and Tommy Barber added a rushing touchdown. Dave Strock kicked a 35-yard field goal. Attendance: 25,000.
Virginia Tech routed South Carolina 45âÂÂ20 in Blacksburg. Don Strock threw three touchdown passesâÂÂtwo to Mike Scales and one to Ken EdwardsâÂÂand passed for 345 yards. Tommy Barber and Andre Kendrick each scored rushing touchdowns, and Dave Strock added a 40-yard field goal. Attendance: 30,000.
Virginia Tech suffered its worst loss of the season, falling 52âÂÂ13 to No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Don Strock threw a touchdown pass to Mike Scales and passed for 265 yards. Dave Strock kicked two field goals. Alabama rushed for six touchdowns and intercepted Strock twice. Attendance: 57,162.
Virginia Tech closed the season with a 44âÂÂ9 win over Wake Forest at Groves Stadium. Don Strock threw four touchdown passesâÂÂtwo to Mike Scales and one each to Ken Edwards and Bob SmithâÂÂand passed for 354 yards, securing the NCAA passing title. Tommy Barber added a rushing touchdown, and Dave Strock kicked a 37-yard field goal. Attendance: 6,500.
The following players were members of the 1972 football team according to the roster published in the 1973 edition of The Bugle, the Virginia Tech yearbook.