Coral Gables, FL.- What a game! I’m absolutely speechless.
Tonight (September 27), the #7 Miami Hurricanes hosted the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first matchup of ACC Play this season.
The Hokies came out firing in the first quarter, as Quarterback Kyron Drones hit Tight End Benji Gosnell for an 23 yard touchdown pass.
Miami had a stern reply for VT, as Quarterback Cam Ward hit Receiver Jacolby George for a 18 yard score and Tight End Elijah Arroyo for a 43 bomb on two consecutive drives.
Unfortunately for the ‘Canes, all hell broke loose in the second quarter, as VT seemingly scored at will. The Hokies tied up the ball game as Bhayshul Tuten exploded for a 55 yard rushing score, followed up by another Jaylin Lane 20 yard score. With just under a minute left in the half, both teams traded field goals, bringing the halftime score 24-17.
Virginia Tech punched another FG in, but Miami retaliated with a beautiful 17 yard rushing touchdown by Cam Ward. As the Miami signal caller weaved throughout the Hokie defense, he acrobatically dove into the end zone, causing the decimal meter to explode in the building.
CAM WARD IS THAT GUY‼️
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 28, 2024
📸-@CP_Photo2004 pic.twitter.com/ZmD56YD2yW
After Miami cut the lead to three, Kyron Drones found receiver Ayden Greene for a 16 yard touchdown reception in the back of the end zone.
The Hurricanes’ found themselves down 10 with just above ten minutes remaining. On the first of their two final possessions of the game, Miami pieced together big play after big play, resulting in an outlandish catch by Xavier Restrepo on forth and one. On the break of his route, Restrepo found himself victim to the turf monster, but still managed to secure the catch while laying flat on his back.
This spectacular drive was capped off by a Cam Ward to tight end Cam McCormick.
After the defense caused a three-and-out, the Hurricanes’ offense found themselves back on the field, with plenty of time to spare.
Miami marched down the field, as Cam Ward picked apart the Hokies’ defense in the air and with his legs. With just under two minutes remaining in the contest, Ward found star wideout Isaiah Horton for the go-ahead score.
Cam Ward hits Zay Horton to regain the lead with less then 2 mins left!! pic.twitter.com/zEw6iX5U2y
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 28, 2024
Virginia Tech’s offense trotted onto the field and the tensions were high. After burning their timeouts, the Hokies had 6 seconds for a miracle to happen.
Kyron Drones dropped back, and heaved a prayer into the end zone.
What A Night In Miami 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9OhLzYhMm0
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 28, 2024
As the VT came down with the ball, touchdown Hokies.
However, Miami’s secondary popped the ball loose enough to cause a replay. After the longest five minutes of my life, the officiating crew trotted onto the field.
“The ruling on the field has been overturned.”
The crowd at Hard Rock Stadium couldn’t believe their eyes.
Miami narrowly defeats the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-34. Pandemonium ensues as the Hurricanes storm the field, celebrating.
Hurricanes Win‼️ pic.twitter.com/ce9TtF86Fm
— C2- New Era Prep (@newerac2) September 28, 2024
Miami advances to 5-0 on the season, becoming the first squad to do so this year. However, it’s not all sunshine in paradise, Miami has clear issues they need to address before their matchup at California Berkley next week.
The major concern surrounding the ‘Canes’ defense was their finishing. Across the board, Miami’s defenders were getting good looks and good hits, but couldn’t wrap up and finish the job.
I may be nit picking, but there was a few miscues offensively. Multiple home run balls didn’t connect, whether they were missed or intercepted.
Cam Ward was not happy with his performance tonight, stating that the offense “left a lot of points on the board.”
As previously stated, Miami advances to 5-0 on the season, and will travel to California Berkley to face the Golden Bears on Saturday, October 5th.
