Virginia Tech scored a late touchdown and recovered the ensuing onside kick to make the game interesting before Miami earned a 34-17 win in Blacksburg on Saturday. Akheem Mesidor forced a fumble recovered by Zechariah Poyser to end the penultimate possession for Virginia Tech.
The game was marred with questionable calls throughout. Miami was in control throughout the game before the late push by Virginia Tech. Miami scored on its first five drives of the game in impressive fashion and surged in front 27-10 in the third quarter.
SMU beat Louisville 38-6, Pittsburgh is at Georgia Tech on Saturday night and Virginia has a bye week. SMU and Virginia will be tied with the winner between Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh with 6-1 records entering the final week of the season. Miami needs to win next week and have Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh and Virginia lose.
Carson Beck had 27 completions in 32 attempts for 320 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Malachi Toney continued to do it all for Miami. Toney set career highs of 12 receptions for 146 receiving yards and a TD, had three carries for 16 yards and completed his one pass for 15 yards.
Miami's defense was 'bend but don't break' in win over Virginia Tech
Miami made stops defensively when they needed them. The first two drives for Virginia Tech ended inside the Miami 25 yardline, but the Hokies scored only three points. Miami led 14-3 at that point. Virginia Tech had 37 carries for 194 rushing and 151 of their 201 passing yards in the fourth quarter.
Virginia Tech closed strong by outgaining Miami 159 to 57 in the fourth quarter, but each team scored seven points in the final 15 minutes. Miami finished the game outgaining Virginia Tech 418 to 395. Miami has to hope the 17-point win impresses the CFP committee.