Logan Thomas’ pass complete to Danny Coale for 16 yards to the Virginia Tech 39 for a 1st down. Logan Thomas pass complete to Marcus Davis for 11 yards to the 50 yard line for a 1st down. Logan Thomas’ pass complete to David Wilson for 4 yards to the Miami 46. Logan Thomas’ quarterback draw for 19 yards for a TOUCHDOWN with 51 seconds left.

Football games against Miami University are always special for the Hokies, but never has one been as crazy as this one. It will go down as one of the best games ever played in Lane Stadium. The Hokies bonded together as a team with one goal in mind, beat Miami. The Virginia Tech football team is the true definition of a traditional work group, with Frank Beamer at the helm. If the team was a company, Logan Thomas would be in the middle-level management category. A big key to winning the game was in fact the quarterback play of Logan Thomas. Logan Thomas completed 23 of 25 passes for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns. This was the best completion percentage by any quarterback under coach Frank Beamer and at 92%, one of the best percentages in college football history. The team has definitely reached the preforming stage of group dynamics.

Logan Thomas grew up right in front of our eyes. From that game on, he has become the leader of the Virginia Tech football team. What helped him do this? It is often said that 90% of sports is mental. It’s true! I played varsity basketball in high school all four years, and I can promise you that so much of any game is mental. Attitude is everything, whether it is on the basketball court or football field. Something changed in Logan Thomas’ mind that day that gave him the confidence and attitude needed to be a great quarterback. That’s where Tyrod Taylor comes in. 

Tyrod Taylor is the true definition of a transformational leader. A transformational leader is one who leads others so that they can lead themselves. Tyrod Taylor showed his mutual influence on his successor, Logan Thomas, with words of encouragement and confidence in him. He wanted Logan Thomas to know that he was now “the guy,” and it was his turn to shine. Before the Hokies’ last possession, Tyrod Taylor approached Logan Thomas and said, “This is where legends are made. This is where you make your legacy. Go ahead and do it. And whatever happens after that happens." Logan Thomas' individual motivation to step out of the shadows of Tyrod Taylor helped him prevail. 

If this was any other former player, it would not have meant so much to Logan Thomas. Tyrod Taylor and Logan Thomas' interdependent relationship helped with that. Tyrod Taylor is one of the best players Virginia Tech has seen since Michael Vick. Tyrod Taylor is the guy Logan Thomas looks up to the most. Most importantly, he is his mentor. When the guy who was the leader of the football team for so many years tells you it is your turn to lead, you listen. 

Logan Thomas listened very well. The win was vastly important to keeping the Hokies’ chances alive to be repeating as ACC champions. Logan Thomas has now taken over that leadership role. The Miami game will always be remembered as the turning point in Logan Thomas’ collegiate career. The team was successful, they completed their task. 


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/acc/story/2011-10-08/virginia-tech-miami/50705300/1


http://www.hokiesports.com/football/

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-10-08/sports/fl-game-story-miami-virginia-tech-1009-20111008_1_lamar-miller-lane-stadium-al-golden

http://www.roanoke.com/virginiatech/299482