In a gripping clash on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the No. 7 Miami football Hurricanes triumphed over Virginia Tech with a score of 38-34, surviving a late-game scare in their ACC opener.
With less than two minutes remaining, Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward connected on a pivotal 1-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton, propelling Miami into the lead. However, the Hokies were not finished, positioning themselves for a final Hail Mary attempt from the Miami 30-yard line. Quarterback Kyron Drones sent a high arcing pass into a mass of players, and although Da’Quan Felton of Virginia Tech was initially deemed to have made a touchdown catch, the officials overturned the decision after a review.
With this victory, Miami improved to 5-0 for the season and 1-0 in conference play, while Virginia Tech slipped to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in the ACC.
Ward’s performance underscored his status as an early frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, despite encountering some difficulties. He completed 24 of 38 passes, amassing 343 yards and four touchdowns. Nonetheless, his evening was marred by three turnovers—two interceptions and a fumble—that handed Virginia Tech 14 points.
The Hokies opened the game with fervor, capitalizing on an early fumble recovery. Drones quickly found Benji Gosnell for a touchdown, granting Virginia Tech a 7-0 lead. A back-and-forth first half ensued, culminating in 41 combined points and a 24-17 lead for the Hokies at halftime, bolstered by long field goals from both sides.
Virginia Tech extended its advantage to 27-17 in the third quarter with another long field goal from John Love. However, Miami fought back, with Ward executing a 17-yard touchdown scramble that narrowed the gap to three points. Early in the fourth quarter, Drones responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Ayden Greene, restoring Virginia Tech’s lead to 34-24.
Refusing to concede defeat, Miami football launched a determined counterattack. Ward orchestrated a 70-yard drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cam McCormick, reducing Virginia Tech’s lead to 34-31. Following a crucial defensive stop, Ward guided Miami on an 89-yard drive, converting a vital fourth-down pass to Xavier Restrepo and eventually connecting with Horton for the game-winning touchdown.
For Virginia Tech, Drones finished the night with 189 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Bhayshul Tuten contributed a rushing touchdown and 141 yards on the ground.
This victory marks Miami’s first win in an ACC opener in four years, as the Hurricanes continue their pursuit of a spot in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech will look to regroup after suffering their second consecutive loss.