While Howell made his second career start against Miami in 2019, Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker made his first career start against the Hurricanes in 2019. Hooker’s dual-threat ability passing and running the football confounded the Miami defense. Hooker led the Hokies to a 28-0 lead with 9:30 remaining in the second quarter.
On the Hokies first five drives of the game, four of which ended in TDs, Hooker was 5-10 for 56 yards and two TD passing and had six carries for 67 yards and another TD. Hooker opened the scoring with 12-yard TD run. Miami fought back and scored on a hail mary to end the first half down 28-7.
A third-quarter TD by Miami cut the deficit to 28-14 entering the fourth quarter. The teams combined for 35 points in the fourth quarter. After Miami tied the game, Hooker led the Hokies on a game-winning five-play 62-yard drive culminated by three-yard Deshawn McClease touchdown run with 1:03 remaining.
Miami drove to the Hokies 10, but a N’Kosi Perry pass on the final play was incomplete and Virginia Tech earned a 42-35 victory. Hooker finished 10-20 for 184 yards and two TDs and ran 16 times for another 76 yards and a TD. If Miami is going to defeat the Hokies in 2020, limiting Hooker needs to be a priority.