 For Virginia Tech, running back Ken Oxendine led all Hokie rushers with 39 yards on 10 carries.Barnes' 62-yard touchdown reception from Keldorf was the sixth-longest scoring play in Gator Bowl history at the time of the game.Virginia Tech's loss dropped it to a final 1997 record of 7–5, while North Carolina's win raised it to a final record of 11–1.