Miami Gardens, FL — The Miami Hurricanes came into tonight’s final home game with Virginia Tech Hokies wondering ‘what if.’ This season, all three of its conference losses were by three points or less. A missed field goal hitting the upright against Virginia, a tipped pass resulting in an interception on the final drive against North Carolina, and failure to get a stop on 4th and 14 against Florida State, would have changed the entire perception and trajectory of the program.
For one night all was forgotten as the Canes concentrated on one thing, sending the seniors off the right way on senior night.
“More than anything I’m proud of our seniors,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz. “Proud that they get to leave Hard Rock Stadium for the last time as winners. Their leadership this week, the way that they have set the example for the young guys on this team will be their legacy in a season that we didn’t win as many games as we wanted to, but in terms of laying a foundation, I think the way that these guys have continued to play hard and set the example is beyond comendable.”
Miami aired it out with a 38-26 win over Virginia Tech. Second-year quarterback Tyler Van Dyke passed for three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Van Dyke had the deep ball working, connecting on seven passes of 15 yards or more including five that went for 30-plus yards. It was Van Dyke’s fifth straight game with 300 or more yards.
“Each week I’m learning from the game before,” said Van Dyke. “I got to give credit to the O-Line, I think it was zero sacks tonight. They protected me well and the receivers too made great catches downfield. I can’t do it without any of those guys. The whole team has really helped me come into this role and given me the confidence that I have right now.”
Van Dyke culminated his stellar day in the final period by finding senior Mike Harley Jr. on a post route for a 55-yard touchdown. The score extended the lead to 12 in the fourth quarter and would be Harley’s last touchdown at Hard Rock Stadium.
“My last touchdown in Hard Rock as a Cane, it meant a lot, ” said Harley.
The Hurricanes came out firing on offense from the first drive. Van Dyke connected with Charleston Rambo for a 39-yard completion on the first offensive play from scrimmage to set the tone. Rambo caught seven for 116 yards in the game and became the fifth receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards in school history.
The freshman quarterback finished the first drive with a pass to a wide-open Will Mallory for a 9-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Miami scored on its next two drives with Jaylan Knighton punching it in from close range to extend the lead to 21-3 early in the second quarter. The running game however left much to be desired as the Canes rushed for a total 54 yards on 30 carries.
The Hokies would breakthrough with a score on a questionable touchdown in the second quarter. Braxton Burmeister threw a six-yard pass to the goal line where Tre Turner fended off DJ Ivey to make a one-handed catch that was bobbled out of bounds. The play was ruled a catch and the score would make it a 21-10 game…but not for long.
“You got to credit Virginia Tech for battling back which is what they’ve done all year,” said Coach Manny Diaz. “When it got dicey right there as the third quarter turned to the fourth quarter, where it really could have gone either way, our guys really imposed their will on the football game, made all the winning key plays in the fourth quarter to secure our victory.”
The Canes would strike back on the ensuing first play from scrimmage with a 75-yard touchdown pass to true freshman Brashard Smith.
The Hokies would add a field goal before the half and the Canes led 28-13 at the break. Miami scored on its first four possessions.
The second half started with a turnover chain appearance. Senior defensive end Zach McCloud stripped the football on a sack and Marcus Clarke pounced on the football at the Virginia Tech 20-yard line. After three straight runs to Knighton, the Canes settled for a field goal and the ghosts of conservativeness in critical moments against Florida State began to suddenly re-appear.
Virginia Tech would rally with a touchdown pass to Kaleb Smith, convert on a surprise onside kick, and score on its next possession with a four-yard touchdown to Da’Wain Lofton (Two-Point conversion failed). The Hurricanes hung on to a five-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Miami will complete its season next Saturday at Duke. Virginia Tech will end its season next week against Virginia in an attempt to become bowl eligible.
Attendance – 40,839
Photo Credit – Miami Athletics and Chuck Bethel Photography
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