No. 7 Miami Survives A Thrilling Friday Night Bout Against Virginia Tech
MIAMI GARDENS -- Despite throwing two interceptions and fumbling on the opening drive, Cam Ward directed the Miami Hurricanes to a thrilling come-from-behind 38-34 victory over Virginia Tech Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Ward was 24-of-38 for 343 yards and four touchdowns. He also suffered the two aforementioned interceptions. In one of his worst games of the season, he still produced a Heisman-winning drive for the Hurricanes to take the lead late in the fourth quarter with less than two minutes remaining.
The issue was that the Hurricanes defense had struggled all night. The secondary issues that had been a concern during the preseason began to creep into many people's heads as Drones drove down the field and made play after play to get the ball game within reach.
The game came down to the last inch of the players fighting for the ball with an incredible Hail Mary pass from Drones that was overturned from a touchdown to an incomplete pass after seemingly forever.
No matter who would have won this game, both sides would have hated the result but for the Canes, the undefeated season continues.
Fourth Quarter:
Ward capped off the night with his fourth touchdown pass of the night to Isaiah Horton, The one-yard score gave Miami the lead with under 2:00 to play in the game, Miami 38, Virginia Tech 34.
The touchdown was only possible because of a great escape by Ward and he then somehow found Riley Williams who took the ball inside the one-yard line.
Ward then led Miami down the field in nine plays. They went 70 yards. The drive was capped off by a six-yard touchdown from Ward to Cam McCormick. It was McCormick's second score of the season. Virginia Tech 34, Miami 31.
Drones then marched the Hokies down the field 75 yards and threw a 16-yard strike to Ayden Greene for the score. Virginia Tech 34, Miami 24.
Third Quarter:
After stuffing a fake field goal attempt by the Hokies on the 11 yard line, Ward led the Canes down the field and capped off the 89-yard drive with a 17-yard rushing touchdown. Virginia Tech 27, Miami 24.
John Love 52-yard field goal is good. Virginia Tech, 27, Miami 17.
Virginia Tech will receive the second half kickoff.
Second Quarter:
Andy Borregales responded right before the half with a 56-yard field goal. Virginia Tech 24, Miami 17.
John Love hit a 57-yard field goal with :20 to play in the half to increase the Hokies lead. Virginia Tech 24, Miami 14.
Jaylin Lane took a double reverse 23 yards to give Virginia Tech the lead in the second quarter, They went 69 yards in five plays, taking 2:30 off the clock. Virginia Tech 21, Miami 14.
With the Canes driving in the red zone, Ward's pass is intercepted by Mose Phillips III. For Phillips it was his first career interception. It was Ward's third interception of the season.
Miami had an apparent touchdown on the drive, a pass to Jacolby George in the corner of the end zone, but Markel Bell was called for holding on the play.
Bhayshul Tuten then took off on the third play from scrimmage and raced 55 yards untouched for the tying touchdown. The Hokies drove 64 yards in three plays. Miami 14, Virginia Tech 14.
First Quarter:
At the end of the first quarter, Miami was leading 14-7. They are currently driving down the field and are in the red zone thanks to two passes from Ward to Xavier Restrepo. Miami will have it first and goal when play resumes in the second quarter,
On the next Tech drive, Drones threw an interception recovered by Mishael Powell. Miami takes over on their 48 yard line.
Two plays later, Ward hits Elijah Arroyo from 43 yards out for a go-ahead touchdown. Arroyo ran a seam route and was wide open. It took Miami three plays to go 52 yards. Miami 14, Virginia Tech 7.
It does not take long for Ward to redeem himself he drives Miami down the field and throws a touchdown strike to Jacolby George. The drive consisted of 5 plays and 73 yards. The 18-yard strike to George was Ward's 15th touchdown pass off the season. Miami 7, Virginia Tech 7.
Miami takes possession on their own 25 yard line,
Cam Ward gets sacked on third down and turns the ball over at the Miami 31 yard line, First down Virginia Tech with 14:08 to play in the first quarter.
Three plays later Kyron Drones found Benji Gosnell all alone in the end zone for a 25-yard score. Virginia Tech 7, Miami 0.
It appeared as if Ward's arm was going forward, but the referee called it a fumble after a review.
Virginia Tech wins the coin toss and defers to the second half.
Miami will receive the football to start the game.
Pregame:
The Hurricanes are dressed in orange jerseys, white pants and black cleats.
The Hokies are dressed in white tops with maroon numerals and maroon pants.
The Game:
Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2) at #7 Miami Hurricanes (4-0)
When: September 27, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
TV: ESPN
Series: Miami leads 25-15
Last Game: Miami won 20-14 on Oct, 15, 2022,
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Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins site, and has since contributed to the Miami Heat, Back in the Day NBA, Miami Hurricanes and San Antonio Spurs sites. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. He's covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services.