Miami Hurricanes defense came up big in fourth quarter versus Virginia Tech
Leading 31-26 entering the fourth quarter, the Miami Hurricanes defense shut down Virginia Tech over the final 15 minutes. Miami held Virginia Tech to 19 total yards in the fourth quarter and the Hurricanes offense added a critical TD to secure the victory. Virginia Tech had 356 yards through the first three quarters.
The Hokies moved mostly on the ground. Virginia Tech finished the game with 43 carries for 227 yards. The Hokies had 148 yards passing and scored all three of their TDs through the air. Backup QB Connor Blumrick was 5-11 for 32 yards and two TDs and added 20 carries for 132 yards rushing.
Virginia Tech starting QB Braxton Burmeister was 14-17 for 109 yards, and one TD and 10 carries for 52 yards. Burmeister did not play in the fourth quarter after leaving with an injury. Blumrick did not complete a pass in four attempts in the fourth quarter and had six carries for eight yards in the final fourth of the game.
The Hokies had 356 total yards and 208 rushing through three quarters. After taking a 28-10 lead in the second quarter, Miami allowed Virginia Tech back in the game. The Hokies scored a TD in the third quarter to close the deficit to 31-26. Miami shutting down the Virginia Tech offense was critical in the outcome on Saturday night.
Virginia Tech went from 7.9 yards per play in the third quarter to 1.5 in the fourth. Miami was keyed defensive in the fourth quarter by senior defensive end De Andre Johnson who had three tackles and one sack and linebacker Keontra Smith with two tackles. The Miami offense and special teams contributed in the fourth.
Miami also had a 9:51 to 5:09 time of possession in the fourth quarter and punter Lou Hedley twice pinned Virginia Tech inside the 15 in the fourth quarter. The deepest drive for Virginia Tech in the fourth quarter ended at their own 33 yardline. Virginia Tech ended their other two fourth-quarter drives at their own 10 and 22.
Next. Miami holds on to defeat Virginia Tech after fast start. dark
The Miami Hurricanes defense that struggled throughout parts of the first three quarters shut down Virginia Tech in the fourth quarter. Add in a critical 55-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Van Dyke to Mike Harley with 10:39 in the fourth quarter and timely special teams play and Miami earned the win to become bowl eligible.