The ESPN Gameday crew discussed the overturned Virginia Tech hail mary on Friday in the 38-34 Miami win. Host Rece Davis discussed the rule and the statement released by the ACC. Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee all stated their opinions on the play.
Nick Saban did not provide an analysis of what he thought about the overturned call. With Miami leading 38-34 with three seconds left, Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones threw the ball to the back of the end zone from the 30 yardline. Chaos ensued at the end of the play.
Whether or not Virginia Tech wide receiver Da'Quan Felton came down with the ball will be debated for perpetuity. Isaiah Horton was in the game for Miami to give the Hurricanes a bigger player on the hail mary. Felton, Horton and Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane were all out of bounds and the ball was moving.
The ACC issued a statement following the game that because a Miami player (presumably Horton) was out of bounds and touching the ball, the play was dead. Fans will point to the last play, but there were many questionable calls throughout the game. Miami and Virginia Tech both had touchdowns called back for holding.
Can we talk about this @CanesFootball @HokiesFB finish last night... 🤯#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/cTPDBaHkfi
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 28, 2024
"The Ball's moving...the ball was never secured...How about them overturning that too. "Pat McAfee ESPN
ACC statement on final play: "During the review process of the last play of the Virginia Tech at Miami game, it was determined that the loose ball was touched by a Miami player while he was out of bounds which makes it an incomplete pass and immediately ends the play."
— Dave Hyde (@davehydesports) September 28, 2024
"No, you can't even see the ball...That's the problem (about them overturning the call).""Desmond Howard ESPN
The comment from Howard will likely be the part that is debated. The call being overturned has been a major complaint. Many believe whatever the call was on the field should not have been overturned. There have been a lot of comments that the initial play was inconclusive.
"I don't care what the call...His foot was down. He's lying on the ground. He has possession. Then it got dislodged...It survived the ground...Whatever the field (call) is how do you flip that?""Kirk Herbstreit ESPN
Herbstreit reiterated his confusion about the call being overturned. The questions will remain and likely continue to be mentioned as Miami contends for a College Football Playoff berth. The ACC standings could be impacted by the call depending on how Miami, Virginia Tech and other conference contenders complete their seasons.