Hurricanes Survive Hokies' Hail Mary Attempt in Thrilling ACC Clash

No. 7 Miami (Fla.) overcame a late scare and held off Virginia Tech, 38-34, in a thrilling ACC opener on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes' quarterback Cam Ward led the team to victory with a last-minute touchdown pass, but the Hokies' final Hail Mary attempt was ultimately ruled incomplete after a review.

A Nail-Biting Finish Caps Off an Offensive Showdown

Hurricanes Quarterback Cam Ward Shines, Despite Turnovers

Cam Ward's performance showcased why he's considered one of the early favorites for the Heisman Trophy, even with some turnovers. The Miami quarterback completed 24 of 38 passes, throwing for 343 yards and four touchdowns. However, his night wasn't without challenges, as Ward turned the ball over three times — two interceptions and a fumble — contributing to 14 of Virginia Tech's points.

Hokies Start Strong, but Hurricanes Claw Their Way Back

The Hokies started fast, taking advantage of an early fumble recovery. Quarterback Kyron Drones found Benji Gosnell for a quick touchdown, giving the Hokies an early 7-0 lead. After a back-and-forth first half that featured 41 combined points, the Hokies led 24-17 at halftime as both teams converted long field goals before the break.

Defensive Adjustments and Late-Game Heroics

In the third quarter, Virginia Tech extended its lead to 27-17 with another long field goal from John Love. However, Miami began to chip away at the deficit. Ward's 17-yard touchdown scramble late in the third quarter brought the Hurricanes within three points. Early in the fourth quarter, Drones responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Ayden Greene to give the Hokies a 34-24 advantage.Miami refused to go away, though. Ward orchestrated a 70-yard drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cam McCormick, cutting Virginia Tech's lead to 34-31. After a defensive stop, Ward led Miami on an 89-yard drive, converting a crucial fourth-down pass to Xavier Restrepo, and eventually finding Isaiah Horton for what ended up being the game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes to play.

Hail Mary Attempt Falls Short as Hurricanes Hold On

Virginia Tech got into position for one final play with a Hail Mary attempt from the Miami 30. Quarterback Kyron Drones lofted a pass that ended up in a crowd of players. After the Hokies' Da'Quan Felton was ruled as making a touchdown catch, officials overturned the call following a review, ruling the play incomplete and securing the victory for the Hurricanes.The win marked Miami's first victory in an ACC opener in four years as the Hurricanes continue to push for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a second straight loss.