Miami holds off Virginia Tech after big start
The Miami football team led 17-0 at halftime, extended the lead to 20-0 after three quarters and held on for a 20-14 win at Virginia Tech on Saturday. Miami ends a three-game losing streak with the win and gave Virginia Tech its fourth straight loss. The Hurricanes improved to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the ACC.
The Miami football team went 65 yards in four plays on its opening drive to take a 7-0 lead. Tyler Van Dyke was 3-3 for 72 yards on the opening drive. Miami began their drive after safety Avantae Williams stripped Dae’Quan Wright and recovered after 27 yard gain to thwart the Virginia Tech drive.
Miami had an 18-play, 71-yard drive that took 7:42 and stalled in the red zone ending with an Andres Borregales 28-yard field goal to extend the Miami lead to 10-0 in the first quarter. Miami scored a TD and twice in the first quarter versus an FBS opponent for the first time this season.
Van Dyke finished 29-46 for 342 with two TDs and no interceptions. Multiple receivers stepped up for Miami. Four Miami receivers had at least 50 yards. Colbie Young led all Miami receivers with nine receptions for 101 yards and a TD. Tight end Will Mallory and wide receiver Brashard Smith were productive before leaving with injuries.
Penalties prevented Miami from pulling away from Virginia Tech. Miami finished with 17 penalties for 159 yards. Several penalties hindered Miami drives or kept Virginia Tech drives alive. Miami extended the lead to 17-0 in the second quarter with a 17-yard TD pass from Van Dyke to Young.
That was the last time Miami found the end zone in the win. A Borregales 25-yard field goal in the third quarter extended the Miami lead to 20-0. Virginia Tech dominated the fourth quarter with a 139 to 73-yard advantage and outscored Miami 14-0 in the final 15 minutes to get back into the game.
Miami without three starters and line moves in Canes favor. dark. Next
Virginia Tech finished the game with 257 yards. Miami had a big final drive to ice the game. The Hurricanes used an eight-play, 24-yard drive in the final 3:20 to run out the clock and earn the 20-14 win at Virginia Tech. Miami returns to Hard Rock Stadium next Saturday with another 12:30 kickoff.