MIAMI GARDENS – Back-to-back overtime wins for the Miami Hurricanes.
The home team avoided an upset bid by the Virginia Cavaliers (2-6) in overtime as running back Mark Fletcher Jr. stayed inbound on an 11-yard touchdown run to clutch a win for the Canes on Oct. 28.
The game was not in Miami’s favor, especially in the first half, as they were trailing the Cavaliers.
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke struggled throughout the game, finishing with only 163 yards with two interceptions.
Virginia quarterback Tony Muskeet drove down the field with the help of powerhouse receiver Malik Washington, who tallied 152 yards in this ACC matchup. However, it was running back Mike Hollis who got in the end zone for the Cavaliers.
With a touchdown and a prominent field goal, Virginia controlled the first half and went into halftime with a 10-3 lead over Miami.
It was in the third quarter that Miami’s offense started to shift. Powerhouse running back Ajay Allen had an incredible 26-yard run, hurdling over a Virginia defender and stumbling backward into the end zone.
On the next drive, veteran safety Kam Kitchens made a play that resulted in a pick-six. It put Miami up for the first time in the game at 17-10.
From there, it was all on kicker Andy Borregales as he carried the Canes with long, consistently made field goals. Borregales was 5-for-5 throughout the night and went 3-for-3 in field goals, including one late in the fourth quarter to tie the game into overtime at 23-23.
Miami running backs coach Tim Harris had full confidence in Fletcher’s ability to run. Returning from a foot injury, Fletcher Jr. came through on Miami’s overtime drive.
“When I was hit on side, I was still inbound. Then I felt a big weight push me into the end zone,” Fletcher Jr. said of his rushing touchdown that was assisted by offensive lineman Javion Cohen to stay inbound.
Canes head coach Mario Cristobal spoke highly of the team’s resilience to overcome tough moments for wins.
“I think it shows that there’s nothing we haven’t seen. I’m sure there’s a few things we haven’t seen, but you could hit that theme hard because at the end of the day, it’s about belief. Play the players that you trust, trust the players that you play,” Cristobal stated.
With this win, the Hurricanes (6-2) are now bowl-eligible.
They will be on the road for the next two weeks. The first stop is NC State (5-3) on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Carter-Finley Stadium.
PHOTO CREDITS: Chuck Bethel
