3) 2002 Miami 56 Virginia Tech 45
A year after winning their fifth National Championship the Miami Hurricanes concluded an undefeated season by winning their 34th straight game with a victory over Virginia Tech. The game was not only historic because of extending the winning streak, Miami running back Willis McGahee ran for six touchdowns.
McGahee ran for 205 yards and six touchdowns with four TDs coming in the first half. Andre Johnson was equally dominant but completely overshadowed by McGahee. Johnson finished with six receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown.
Miami sprinted out to a 28 -7 lead, but a Virginia Tech touchdown 24 seconds before halftime cut the Hurricanes lead to 14. McGahee’s fifth and six touchdowns put Miami in front 49-21. An ill-advised call in the third quarter allowed the Hokies a glimmer of hope.
Miami attempted a halfback option pass from Jarrett Payton back to quarterback Ken Dorsey. Virginia Tech’s Willie Pile intercepted the pass and ran it back 97-yards for a touchdown to bring the Hokies within 49-28. VATech added ten more points to close the third-quarter and narrow Miami’s margin to 49-38.
The teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter for a 56-45 Miami Hurricanes victory. The win clinched a spot in the National Championship game for the second straight season in the Fiesta Bowl for Miami.