‘Canes Rally Late, Defeat GT In Overtime 42-36

Sep 22, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mike James (5) scores the winning touchdown in overtime against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Miami won 42-36. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-US PRESSWIRE

Wow, what an intense game.  I literally gnawed my fingernails down to the knuckle.

Miami (3-1) opened up a 19-0 lead in the first quarter against Georgia Tech.  The Yellow Jackets scored 36 unanswered points in what turned out to be one of the greatest Miami comeback wins since, well, since 2003 when Brock Berlin led the ‘Canes to victory against the Florida Gators.

Georgia Tech (2-2) came into Saturday’s game as 14-point favorites.  After squandering their 19-point lead, Miami would refuse to surrender.  With 14:06 left in the game, WR Rashawn Scott came up big and set Miami up on the Yellow Jacket 15-yard line.  RB Mike James would rumble his way into the end zone, cutting Georgia Tech’s lead to 36-29.

Anthony Chickillo, who had a monster day on defense, sacked GT QB Tevin Washington and forced the Jackets to punt.  With 10:07 left to play, the ‘Canes failed to score on three consecutive plays from the GT 4-yard line.  PK Jake Wieclaw missed a 22-yard field goal, his first miss of the season.

With 2:06 left in the game, QB Stephen Morris connected with RB Mike James on a 10-yard screen pass, putting the ‘Canes down just one point.  Miami would eventually tie the game, one that would be settled in overtime.

Miami won the toss in overtime and elected to start on defense.  After stuffing GT QB Tevin Washington on the Miami 2-yard line, the Yellow Jackets failed to score a point in overtime.

On the second play of Miami’s overtime possession, RB Mike James rushed 25-yards for the game winning touchdown.

Ah, it’s a great day to be a ‘Cane.

The ‘Canes are now 2-0 in conference play.