Special year has brought national recognition back to Miami Hurricanes

The Hurricanes had the last home game of what has been a magical season a week later against Virginia. Miami had to twice overcome 14 point deficits against the Cavaliers to win. A Jaquan Johnson 30-yard interception return for a touchdown tied the game and the Hurricanes did not look back from there.

The victory over Miami left the Hurricanes one game away from an undefeated regular season. With a Friday afternoon game at Pittsburgh the day after Thanksgiving, most did not expect the Hurricanes to stumble.

For the second year in a row, the Panthers thwarted the hopes of the top team in the ACC finishing the regular season unblemished. Last season they won at Clemson.

In spite of the loss, Miami accomplished some huge goals this season. They ended the seven-year losing to Florida State, won their first ACC Coastal Divison title and will now appear in the first ACC Championship game.

The messes at Florida and Florida State can only help Miami going forward. Dan Mullen was a good hire at Florida and he should have the contacts with the coaches in the Sunshine State already.