Miami football makes history with 38-34 victory over Pittsburgh
The Miami football team earned consecutive victories over ranked teams for the first time in program history while unranked with a 38-31 win at Pittsburgh on Saturday. Miami survived in the second half after leading 31-17 at halftime. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke threw for 428 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
The passing yardage total by Van Dyke was the ninth most in school history. Miami freshmen continue to make big plays for the Hurricanes. Running back Jaylan Knighton finished with 91 total yards and two TDs, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo had seven receptions for 89 yards and tight end, Elijah Arroyo, a 20-yard TD reception.
The veterans on offense had big plays as well. Charleston Rambo had his third 100-yard game with seven receptions for 101 yards and TE Will Mallory three receptions for 68 yards and a TD. Van Dyke and Mallory connected for the game-clinching first down for the second consecutive week.
The third-down connection was the second controversial play on the last Miami drive. Mallory fumbled the ball out of bounds backward after clearly getting the first down. The initial call was Miami was short of the first down. After the replay, the referee called for a measurement and Miami had the first down.
Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett threw for 519 yards, three TDs and two interceptions. Pickett entered the game on Saturday with 23 TDs and one interception. The Miami freshmen came up big on defense as well. Freshman safety James Williams led Miami with nine tackles and had a huge fourth-quarter red-zone interception.
Freshman cornerback Marcus Clarke added six tackles. Tyrique Stevenson had the other Miami interception. The Miami football team improves to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the ACC with the win. Pittsburgh falls to 6-2, 3-1. The Hurricanes are back in the race to win the ACC Coastal with the victory. Pittsburgh is currently in first.
Miami potentially needs losses by Pittsburgh and Virginia to have a chance to win the ACC Coastal Division. The Hurricanes should be favored against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Duke to finish the season. Van Dyke has quickly become an elite QB in the ACC and potential conference Rookie of the Year.