Virginia Tech 37 Miami 16

Thursday night ball games are nothing new for the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Miami Hurricanes came to town tonight, and the Hokies had payback on their minds. The last time the two teams faced off at Lane, Duke Johnson reeled off an amazing 249 yards against the Bud Foster defense. The Hokies’ defense certainly played better in the latest match up, and Miami payed the ultimate price. With the Coastal division up for grabs, the Hokies took control early. After forcing an early Miami three and out, the Hokies went on a march.

Virginia Tech kicker Joey Slye put the Hokies on the board with a 47 yard field goal that would have been good from 57. Slye was in the groove early, and Virginia Tech took an early 3-0 lead. Miami put together a drive of its own, matching Slye’s three point effort. The ‘Canes tied it up, but Virginia Tech looked like it was in control. Virginia Tech kept the momentum rolling as Bucky Hodges reeled in a seven yard toss from Jerod Evans to make it 10-3 with 5:51 left in the half. After a quick series of downs, the Hokies were back on the march. The drive culminated with another Slye FG, this one of the 38 yard variety. Miami would have only one more possession in the first half, but they made it count. Braxton Berrios beat Mook Reynolds deep for a 25 yard TD strike, and Miami made it 16-9 at the half, as Michael Badgley missed the extra point.

The Hokies opened up the scoring the third quarter on their second possession. Bucky Hodges caught his second touchdown pass of the night to make it 23-9, but the defense would let Virginia Tech down on the next ‘Canes opportunity. Christopher Herndon IV caught a perfect ball from Kaaya for the 35 yard TD strike, and suddenly Tech was in a shootout. 23-16 with seven and change in the third was not the scenario Virginia Tech imagined themselves in. At this point in the game, the Hokies still seemed in control, but Miami was surging.

This is when the magic happened. Coach Fuente went into his bag of tricks, and Sam Rogers on a RPO found a wide open Steven Peoples for a touchdown, and it was 30-16 and the clock was dwindling. The fact that the Hokies were pulling trick plays was comforting, but the game needed to be finished.

The Hokies did just that, with a huge defensive effort. The secondary shut the ‘Canes down on a crucial 4th down, and it was Travon McMillian time after that! Jerod Evans personally sealed the deal with a back-breaking 34 yard TD run. Final score form Blacksburg, 37-16