Miami Hurricanes Greatest Wins vs 2017 Opponents

Virginia Tech, November 4

Miami 26 Virginia Tech 24, 2001

Miami Leads Series 20-14

It’s hard to pick a game from Miami’s biggest annual rival other than Florida State. The Hurricanes and Hokies have been conference rivals since 1992. They were in the Big East together and both joined the ACC in 2004.

A win for either school in this rivalry is often an important one. They met twice in bowl games before becoming conference rivals. Miami won both of those meetings in tight games. They beat the Hokies 14-7 in the 1966 Gator Bowl and 20-14 in the 1982 Peach Bowl Behind Jim Kelly.

Miami won the first 12 meetings through 1994. The Hokies began a five game winning streak in the series a year later. It’s hard to choose “the biggest win” In 2005 Willis McGahee ran for over 200 yards and six touchdowns on 39 carries and Ken Dorsey threw for 300 yards in a 56-45 win.

The Hurricanes most important win came against Tech in their 2001 championship season. Miami had to survive after taking a 26-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Hokies got within one score following a touchdown and two point conversion 6:27 into the fourth quarter.

Two and a half minutes later, the Hokies played (Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank) Beamer ball to perfection. The Hokies were known for their ability to block kicks during Beamer’s tenure. VaTech blocked a Miami punt from Freddie Capshaw and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown to get within two.

The potential game trying two-point conversion pass was dropped by Ernest Wilford with 6:27 remaining in the game. Ed Reed had an interception later in the fourth quarter and the Hurricanes spot in the BCS Championship game was assured.

They went on to destroy Nebraska 37-14 to claim the school’s fifth and most recent national championship.