The No. 7 Miami Hurricanes held off the visiting Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday night in what could be the most controversial end to the college football season.
Kyron Drones’ last-second Hail Mary pass was caught for a touchdown, seemingly giving Virginia Tech a 40-38 win until the video replay booth overruled the on-field call.
As a result, Miami moved to 5-0, while the 2-3 Hokies were left wondering what exactly happened.
Tech receiver Da’Quan Felton appeared to come up with the football, which eventually changed hands several times as the officials tried to put together the final play of the game.
Initially, we saw Hurricanes players celebrating as if they had won, then the officials signaled a touchdown, leading to an immediate score review.
Tech’s Da’Quan Felton didn’t seem to like the ball, but the score disagreed
Miami Hurricanes defenders break up a pass intended for Da’Quan Felton
Virginia Tech players gesture after officials reveal the final touchdown was nullified
Da’Quan Felton #9 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts after his touchdown was nullified
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal celebrates after beating Virginia Tech
Cam Ward found Isaiah Horton on a 1-yard touchdown pass with 1:57 left for what became the winning score in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams on Friday night.
Ward threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns, extending his national lead to 18 scoring throws so far this season. The Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0) trailed by double digits three times, the last of which was when the Hokies went up 34-24 with 12:05 remaining.
But Miami ultimately found a way to — narrowly — win the ACC opener for the first time in four years and remain undefeated.
Drones threw two touchdown passes as Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 141 yards and another score for Virginia Tech (2-3, 0-1).
John Love had field goals of 52 and 56 yards for Virginia Tech. The Hokies converted three Miami turnovers into 14 points and appeared poised to beat a team ranked 7th or higher in the AP Top 25 for the first time since Oct. 2, 2004 — a 19-13 win over then-No. 6 West Virginia.
But Virginia Tech needed a touchdown on the final drive to pull off the upset, reaching the Miami 30 and nearly getting the winning score.
Kyron Drones #1 of the Virginia Tech Hokies carries the ball against the Miami Hurricanes
Wilfried Pene of the Virginia Tech Hokies tries to tackle Cam Ward but fails
During the starting drive, Miami escaped disaster – twice. Xavier Restrepo fell on a fourth and third play, with the ball already going his way, and he somehow caught it while on the ground to extend possession. And a few minutes later, Ward was first down by Virginia Tech’s Keyshawn Burgos for what appeared to be a certain sack.
But it wasn’t. Ward broke free of that tackle, broke another and threw the ball to Riley Williams for what became a 26-yard gain at the 1-yard line. The Hurricanes later scored on a play and the defense finished it off.
Virginia Tech: The night could have been worse. Defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland – who entered the game as the nation’s leader with six sacks, bringing that total to seven on Friday – left in the second half due to an injury. He walked into the locker room for evaluation, accompanied by a Hokies staff member.
Miami: The Hurricanes suppressed a fake field goal attempt in the second half, an attempt that came from chip shot range for Virginia Tech. If the Hokies had taken the three points there, they would have only needed a field goal and no touchdown on the final drive. There was also another big play for special teams: Andy Borregales’ 56-yard field goal to end the first half loomed large at the end of the night.
Miami escaped what would have been a damaging loss in the AP Top 25 when the poll is updated Sunday. The Hurricanes should remain in the top 10.
Virginia Tech: Visit Stanford on October 5.
Miami: Visit Cal on October 5.