Hooker and Keane connected for their third touchdown of the game to extend Virginia Tech’s lead to a seemingly insurmountable 35-14 with 12:43 remaining. After a Miami TD narrowed the Hurricanes deficit back to 14, the Hokies took possession at their own 19-yard line. Miami sacked Hooker on third and 10 to force a punt.
Perry and Miami wide receiver Jeff Thomas to bring Miami within six after DeeJay Dallas ran the two-point conversion in. Virginia Tech went three and out again. Phil Patterson dropped a pass from Hooker on third down to give Miami a chance to take the lead. Dallas went 62 yards for a TD on the next Miami possession.
Bubba Baxa missed another extra point for Miami and the game stayed tied at 35. Virginia Tech began their march for the game-winning drive on their next possession. The Hokies had to convert only one third down on their game-winning, 63-yard drive. Hooker connected with Keene on third and five to the Miami three-yard line.
Virginia Tech finished the game nine for 16 on third down. The inability of the defense for the Miami football team to get off the field played just as much of a role in the loss to Virginia Tech as the five turnovers. It won’t be noticed as much, but for a defense that has been successful on third down the rest of the season, it was critical.