There has been some questioning of how Baxa’s miss affected the Miami football team’s defense and Virginia Tech offense. The Hokies offense might have felt less pressure in a tied game than with the lead. There was no excuse for the Miami defense. They had several letdowns throughout the game allowing 42 points.
The Hurricanes defense was dealt a bad hand with the five turnovers in the first half, but a great defense has to go out and make stops and force turnovers. The perfect example of that came in Miami’s comeback from 21 points down against Florida State last season to win 28-27 behind Perry and the defense forcing turnovers.
Virginia Tech went 63 yards on five plays in 2:13. Deshawn McClease ran three yards for a TD to put the Hokies back in front 42-35. Backup RB Keshawn King returned Baxa’s kickoff 28 yards following Dallas’ touchdown. A better kick than Baxa’s kick to the Virginia Tech eight would have likely given Virginia Tech worse field position.
Miami responded in a hectic fourth quarter. After a touchback on the kickoff from Virginia Tech’s Parker Romo Miami began with the ball at their own 25 yardline. Perry drove Miami 65 yards on eight plays in 58 seconds. That set up first and goal at the Hokies eight with five seconds remaining.
The game appeared to be over after an incomplete pass. ESPN cut away to the Georgia-Tennesse game after the referee announced the game was over. Following a review, one second was put back on the clock. Perry was incomplete again and Virginia Tech escaped. Miami hopes to bounce back against Virginia on Friday.