Miami Represented In The Virginia Tech Record Book?

The Miami Hurricanes and the Virginia Tech Hokies share an excellent history of big ball games. The Big East Conference showcased the two powers on many different occasions. The Hokies and ‘Canes have continued the rivalry in the A.C.C., and both teams look to add to that history on Thursday night. Here we are going to focus on two monster games from two very special Hurricane running backs.

Virginia Tech started playing Miami back in 1953. Since then, the Hokies have faced the Hurricanes 33 times. Miami owns the all time record of 20-13. The only time the two clubs have met in a bowl game was in the 1981 Peach Bowl, and the Hurricanes prevailed 20-10. In 2014, Miami running back Duke Johnson rushed for 249 yards against the Hokies. That particular ball game also featured the last time two opposing backs ran for more than 100 yards against the Hokies. That game was a soul crusher. Duke Johnson and Gus Edwards both piled up serious rushing yards against the Bud Foster defense. It was on national television.

The one that really sticks in my craw, is the Willis McGahee in 2002. Virginia Tech started off the season 8-0, then lost their next three. After beating rival Virginia 21-9, the Hokies traveled down to Coral Gables. Future N.F.L. running back Willis McGahee scored six touchdowns against the Hokies. The performance stands as the best against a Bud Foster defense all time. McGahee was responsible for 42 points.

If the Hokies looked to have any success against Miami, they better stop the running game. History is a free teacher, and Virginia Tech does not need to pay for this lesson.