To Knee or Not To Knee: Georgia Tech Upsets Miami 23-20 On Last Second Score
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said "we should've taken a knee" and that remains the story of the game.
On their final drive of the contest, Haynes King delivered a perfect pass over the top to junior wide receiver Christian Leary for a 44 yard score. Getting the ball back with just two seconds left, Miami's attempt at a lateral score was not enough.
This was a game to forget for Tyler Van Dyke, who threw three interceptions on the night with almost a fourth. While the game was in Miami's hands with just a few possessions left, Miami opted to run the ball instead of kneeling it and cost themselves the game.
Looking at the yardage differential, you would've thought this was a blowout for Miami. They had the edge in yards 454-250, with a large chunk of the yards for Georgia Tech coming in their final possession.
Looking at the positive side Xavier Restrepo was a problem for Georgia Tech tonight, bringing in 11 catches for 139 yards on the night. He was a bright spot for the Hurricanes in a shocking loss as he continues to be one of the most underrated receivers in the country.
On the ground, Donald Chaney and Henry Parrish Jr were the main men tonight combining for 155 yards and a score. Miami insisted on giving the ball to Chaney at the end of the game instead of kneeling, and his fumble was the determining play of the game.
King had his worst statistical game of the season for the Yellow Jackets, throwing for just 151 yards and throwing two interceptions on the night. However, he did enough by getting a score on the ground and leading the game-winning drive.
While Miami had six penalties to Georgia Tech's ten, Miami continues to beat themselves up on avoidable calls. From unsportsmanlike conduct to face mask calls, Miami will struggle in ACC play if they don't sharpen it up.
In terms of the defense for Miami, the pressure wasn't there as Miami had just one sack on the night. James Williams and Francisco Mauigoa did both get big interceptions that gave the Hurricanes much needed momentum. Despite it all, they crumbled when it mattered most.
Miami goes to Chapel Hill next week for a marquee matchup against Drake Maye and the Tar Heels. The time of the game is to be announced.
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You can find Liam on Twitter @theleftyliam where he shares news on University of Miami basketball and football as well as opinions