Big plays carry Miami Hurricanes in blowout over Virginia Tech

Big plays on offense, defense and special teams carried the Miami Hurricanes to victory over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on Saturday afternoon.

Needing one win to get to six this season and become bowl eligible the Miami Hurricanes road big plays from all three units to get a much-needed win a break a four-game losing streak against atr Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon.

Miami received big plays throughout their team on Saturday. A Shaq Quarterman interception in the first quarter set the Hurricanes offense up at the Hokies three-yard line. N’Kosi Perry connected with Darrell Langham on the first play after the turnover to take their first lead of the game at 10-7.

The Miami Hurricanes took a 17-14 lead on a  Perry one-yard run 33 seconds before halftime, shut out the Hokies in the second half and exploded for 21 third-quarter points to blow the game open.

Big plays in the third quarter were the difference in the game. Cam’ron Davis ran 42 yards for a touchdown a week after an explosive 22-yard touchdown run against Georgia Tech. Jeff Thomas added a 51-yard punt return for a touchdown and Davis had a 16-yard touchdown reception in the fourth from Perry.

Virginia Tech opened the game by marching 76 yards in five plays in 2:01 to take a 7-0 lead. It was the fourth game in a row the Hurricanes opponent scored a touchdown on their opening drive. Miami answered with a field goal.

Perry was solid completing 21 passes in 34 attempts for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He also netted 16 yards on the ground with a few big scrambles.

Davis led Miami with 77 yards on seven carries and the touchdown and the one reception for 16 yards and a touchdown. Travis Homer ran for 69 yards and added 21 yards receiving.

Perry completed passes to 11 different receivers including himself. Lawrence Cager caught one pass for 33 yards to lead the Hurricanes. Thomas had four receptions for 32 yards to pace Miami in receptions.

Miami lost tight ends Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory with ankle and knee injuries. That forced the Hurricanes to use more four wide receiver sets. It seemed to make Mark Richt become more creative in his play calling. Richt’s play calling has been widely criticized  throughout Miami’s four-game losing streak.

The Miami defense was solid after settling down following the first drive of the game. Virginia Tech finished with 335 yards on the night. Virginia Tech had only 119 yards rushing and averaged 3.6 yards per carry.

After playing four of the last five away from home the Miami Hurricanes return to Hard Rock Stadium to play ACC Coastal Division Champion Pittsburgh. The teams are playing somewhat reversed roles from last season. The Panthers hindered Miami’s dreams of playing in the College Football playoff last season.

Miami had clinched the ACC Coastal last season two weeks before losing at Heinz field last season. This year Pittsburgh visits Miami with the Hurricanes hoping to send the Panthers to the ACC Championship game against Clemson with a loss just like Pitt did to UM last season.