Heartbreak in Miami: Hokies Fall Short in Nail-Biter Against No. 7 Hurricanes (9-27-24)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Miami Herald
Miami Gardens, FL — The Virginia Tech Hokies came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a major upset Friday night, but the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes survived a dramatic finish at Hard Rock Stadium, holding on for a thrilling 38-34 victory. Despite entering the game as heavy underdogs, the Hokies battled fiercely, displaying grit and resilience in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
First Quarter: Hurricanes Come Out Swinging
Virginia Tech wasted no time setting the tone. After winning the toss and deferring, the Hokies’ defense forced an early fumble from Miami’s star quarterback, Cam Ward, on just the third play of the game. Kyron Drones quickly took advantage, finding Benji Gosnell wide-open in the end zone for a touchdown, putting Virginia Tech up 7-0.
Miami, unfazed, responded immediately. Ward, showing the poise and playmaking ability that have made him a Heisman frontrunner, orchestrated a lightning-fast drive down the field. A 45-yard bomb to tight end Elijah Arroyo set up the Hurricanes’ first score, tying the game at 7-7. The Hokies’ next possession ended in disaster, as a tipped pass was intercepted, giving Miami prime field position. Ward again wasted no time, finding Arroyo for another quick touchdown strike to give the Hurricanes a 14-7 lead.
Virginia Tech’s offense then slowed the pace, putting together a methodical drive, but ultimately stalled out and was forced to punt. Miami looked poised to extend their lead, but the Hokies’ defense held firm as the quarter ended with the Hurricanes up by seven.
Second Quarter: Momentum Swings Back and Forth
Starting the second quarter deep in Hokies territory, Miami appeared set to score again, but a holding penalty stalled their momentum. On the next play, Ward threw an interception to Virginia Tech’s Mose Phillips, shifting the momentum dramatically. Just three plays later, the Hokies capitalized, with Bhayshul Tuten breaking free for a dazzling 55-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 14-14.
The Hurricanes, finding themselves in an unexpected battle, were forced to punt after their next drive stalled. The Hokies’ offense, sensing an opportunity, pounded the ball downfield with a series of big plays. Jaylin Lane’s 20-yard touchdown run capped off an impressive drive, giving Virginia Tech a 21-14 lead. Miami’s defense seemed stunned, unable to contain the Hokies’ balanced attack.
Virginia Tech continued to pile on the pressure. After forcing another Miami punt, they moved back into scoring position. John Love then delivered a booming 58-yard field goal—his career-long—to extend the Hokies’ lead to 24-14. With just seconds remaining in the half, Miami’s special teams came up big, setting up a 56-yard field goal from Andres Borregales to cut the deficit to 24-17 as the teams headed into the locker room.
Third Quarter: Hokies Miss Key Opportunities
Virginia Tech started the second half with a promising drive, marching deep into Miami territory. But once again, the Hokies had to settle for a field goal after their offense stalled. Love’s 52-yard kick extended the lead to 27-17. Despite the double-digit deficit, the Hurricanes remained composed. Ward quickly led his team down the field before disaster struck—his pass was intercepted and returned 77 yards, putting the Hokies on the brink of a commanding lead.
Faced with a fourth down deep in Miami territory, Virginia Tech opted for a fake field goal that the Hurricanes sniffed out and stopped cold. The failed trick play shifted the momentum back to Miami. Ward seized the opportunity, leading an 89-yard drive and capping it off with a 17-yard touchdown run to bring Miami within three points at 27-24.
Virginia Tech’s next possession saw a would-be touchdown called back on a dubious holding penalty, but a pass interference call against Miami kept the drive alive. The Hokies couldn’t capitalize, and the third quarter ended with them clinging to a slim 27-24 lead.
Fourth Quarter: A Thrilling Finish
Virginia Tech struck first in the final quarter, with Drones escaping what looked like a sure sack and finding Ayden Greene in the end zone for a miraculous touchdown. The Hokies had a 34-24 lead and looked poised for the upset. But the Hurricanes, refusing to go quietly, responded with a methodical drive of their own. Ward found Cam McCormick for a 6-yard touchdown pass, cutting the lead back to three.
After forcing a three-and-out, Miami got the ball back with momentum on their side. Ward, in another dazzling display of athleticism, evaded multiple Hokies defenders and made an incredible shovel pass to set up the go-ahead score. Miami took the lead 38-34, their first since early in the second quarter.
The Hokies, now with their backs against the wall, drove into Miami territory in the final minutes. Despite some clock mismanagement and a missed horse-collar penalty, they found themselves at the Miami 30-yard line with just three seconds left. Drones heaved a desperation pass into the end zone, where Da’Quan Felton came down with the ball. Initially ruled a touchdown, the play was overturned after a lengthy review, crushing Virginia Tech’s hopes of an upset.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
For Virginia Tech, this loss will undoubtedly sting. The Hokies demonstrated their potential by going toe-to-toe with a top-10 team, but costly mistakes and missed opportunities ultimately defined the night. Miami’s Cam Ward lived up to his Heisman hype, showing tremendous poise under pressure and making critical plays when it mattered most.
