Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh (above) celebrates with players including quarterback Andrew Luck (R) after they defeated Virginia Tech in the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl. (REUTERS)
MIAMI — John Elway flashed his familiar grin and coach Jim Harbaugh gave a jubilant shout from the sideline as Andrew Luck sprinted up the field to join a celebration in the end zone.
Nearly a quarter remained in the Orange Bowl, but the Stanford Cardinal were on the way to their first bowl victory in 14 years. And it was a blowout.
Now, the biggest question that remains about the Cardinal is whether their star quarterback and coach are coming back.
Luck, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns last night to lead fifth-ranked Stanford past No. 12 Virginia Tech, 40-12.
“It’s a wonderful way to cap off the season,” Luck said. “Couldn’t be happier for the Stanford community.”
The sophomore turned in a performance reminiscent of Elway, the former Stanford quarterback who is expected to become the Denver Broncos’ chief football executive this week. Elway served as honorary captain, and ex-Stanford QB Jim Plunkett also was on hand to lend support.
“As an alum, it’s the greatest — to be able to come down here and watch a great football team,” Elway said. “They’re well-coached, they played great. Some great players. A big thrill.”
When the game ended, two Stanford players lifted Harbaugh on their shoulders and he raised an arm in triumph. The Cardinal (12-1) likely will end the season ranked in the top five for the first time since the unbeaten 1940 team finished No. 2.
Their success comes only four years after they went 1-11 and hired Harbaugh as coach to lead a turnaround.
“They’ve bounced back from some terrible years and put Stanford back on the football map,” Plunkett said. “I’m very proud of them.”
Virginia Tech (11-3), playing in a bowl game for the 18th consecutive year, fell to 1-27 against top-five teams.
“They’re really good, and we helped them be good,” said Hokies coach Frank Beamer, his team outscored 27-0 in the second half.
Tight end Coby Fleener caught scoring passes of 41, 58 and 38 yards from Luck, all in the final 21 minutes.
Luck went 18-for-23 and was chosen the most valuable player.
