In a dramatic finish, the Miami Hurricanes secured a 38-34 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies after a last-second Hail Mary touchdown call was overturned. The game, held at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27, 2024, was an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Miami’s quarterback, Cam Ward, led the team to a thrilling comeback, culminating in a decisive touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton with less than two minutes remaining. The victory was sealed after a controversial replay review negated what would have been a game-winning touchdown for Virginia Tech.
A Thrilling Comeback
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Miami trailing for much of the contest. Virginia Tech took an early lead, capitalizing on Miami’s turnovers to build a double-digit advantage. The Hokies’ quarterback, Kyron Drones, threw two touchdown passes, and running back Bhayshul Tuten added another score, putting Miami on the back foot. Despite the setbacks, Miami’s offense, led by Cam Ward, remained resilient. Ward threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
As the game progressed, Miami’s defense tightened, forcing crucial stops that allowed the offense to mount a comeback. With 1:57 left on the clock, Ward connected with Horton on a 1-yard touchdown pass, giving Miami a 38-34 lead. The Hurricanes’ defense then faced a final challenge as Virginia Tech attempted a Hail Mary pass from the Miami 30-yard line. The initial ruling on the field was a touchdown, sparking celebrations from the Hokies. However, after a lengthy review, officials determined that the ball had been touched by a Miami player while he was out of bounds, resulting in an incomplete pass and securing the win for Miami.
Controversial Call and Replay Review
The game’s climax was marked by a controversial call that left both teams and their fans in suspense. With just seconds remaining, Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones launched a Hail Mary pass into the end zone. The ball was caught by Da’Quan Felton, and the Hokies celebrated what they believed was a game-winning touchdown. However, the play was immediately subjected to a replay review. The officials spent several minutes examining the footage before overturning the call, ruling that the ball had been touched by a Miami player who was out of bounds.
This decision sparked mixed reactions from both sidelines. Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, expressed relief, stating, “I saw an incomplete pass. That’s all I can say.” On the other hand, Virginia Tech’s head coach, Brent Pry, voiced his frustration, saying, “That’s a tough one right there. The way that game ended, I hope they got that call right.” The ACC later released a statement explaining the ruling, confirming that the ball’s contact with an out-of-bounds player rendered the pass incomplete and ended the play.
Implications for the Season
Miami’s victory over Virginia Tech has significant implications for both teams as they move forward in the ACC season. For Miami, the win keeps their unbeaten record intact and boosts their confidence heading into future matchups. The Hurricanes’ ability to rally from behind and secure a win in such dramatic fashion demonstrates their resilience and determination. Cam Ward’s performance, in particular, highlights his potential as a key player for Miami this season.
For Virginia Tech, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the controversial nature of the final play. The Hokies have now fallen to 1-10 in games decided by seven points or less since the start of 2022, a statistic that underscores their struggles in close contests. Despite the setback, Virginia Tech showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense, and will look to build on these positives as they aim to bounce back in their upcoming games.
