The Corps of Cadets Color Guard stands at attention as the Highty Tighties march during pre-game festivities. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Isaiah Ford (1) carries the American flag into Lane Stadium during Enter Sandman. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

The Corps of Cadets deliver the game ball to the referees right before kickoff as part of a homecoming tradition. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Melvin Keihn celebrates the Hokies' quick score on the game's opening kickoff after Western Michigan muffed the kick.

Dadi Nicholas (90) gets held as he rushes Western Michigan QB Zach Terrell. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

The Espirit de Corps does pushups after a Virginia Tech touchdown in the first half. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Virginia Tech QB Michael Brewer (12) recieves a shotgun snap in the first half. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Western Michigan runningback Jarvion Franklin gets tackled by Der'Woun Greene (23) (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

The two lines face each other on a Western Michigan field goal attempt. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Students in the east stands show their spirit early in the game. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Michael Brewer (12) lets a pass fly right before he gets hit by Devon Brant. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Bucky Hodges hauls in a touchdown catch as the Corps of Cadets celebrates in the South Stands nearby. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Bucky Hodges (7) celebrates his touchdown catch with fellow TE Kalvin Cline. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Members of the Virginia Tech Men's Swimming and Dive Team show off their first ACC Championship trophy on the field during a TV timeout. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Corey Marshall (96) gives Western Michigan RB Jarvion Franklin (31) a few punches to try and force a fumble in the second half. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Shai McKenzie (22) gets tackled out of bounds right by Virginia Tech's coaching staff. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Western Michigan CB Donald Celiscar grabs an interception over the fingertips of Isaiah Ford (1). (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Michael Brewer hands the ball off to Shai McKenzie. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Western Michigan's coaching staff calls a play on offense. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Bucky Hodges (7) dodges three Western Michigan defenders on a catch in the 3rd quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Michael Brewer takes a look at the clock as the Hokies close in on 1st and goal in the 3rd quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Shai McKenzie runs for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Western Michigan executes a reverse pitch in the 3rd quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Dadi Nicholas (90) is helped off the field by training staff in the second half. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Trey Edmunds (14) looks to stiff arm a Western Michigan defender in the 4th quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Marching Virginians Drum Major Gwen Elwood leads the band in the 4th quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Shai McKenzie (22) attempts to juke a couple Western Michigan defenders in the 4th quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Shai McKenzie is helped off by training staff after a lower leg injury in the 4th quarter. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)

Michael Brewer looks over the defense late in the game. (Mark Umansky/Thekeyplay.com)