The Miami Hurricanes were holding their collective breath last Friday night, with their fate resting precariously in the hands of the officials. As the game reached its dramatic climax, Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones launched a Hail Mary pass into the end zone. Initially, the referee signaled a touchdown reception, igniting celebrations among the Hokies. However, after a lengthy review lasting over six minutes, the officials overturned the call, categorizing it as an incomplete pass. This decision secured Miami a 38-34 victory and marked their fifth consecutive win of the season, keeping them undefeated and firmly in contention for their first ACC title, as well as aspirations for a College Football Playoff berth.
Despite their victory, which could have easily mutated into a devastating defeat, the Hurricanes faced a slight setback in the AP Top 25 Poll, dropping from No. 7 to No. 8. In the grand scheme of things, if the only consequence of a lackluster performance against Virginia Tech is a dip in rankings, Miami would likely consider themselves fortunate. However, it’s essential to recognize that last Friday’s game should not be merely brushed off as an off night; critical issues emerged that demand attention from head coach Mario Cristobal as the team gears up for a serious bid at both the ACC title and a playoff spot.
Cam Ward’s Turnovers
One of the focal points of Miami’s gameplay this season has been the performance of transfer quarterback Cam Ward, who arrived from Washington State with a lot of hype. However, his time in the portal also highlighted a critical flaw—his propensity to turn the ball over, particularly with fumbles. Following the Virginia Tech game, Ward’s record now stands at 32 career fumbles, with 15 of those resulting in lost possessions. This problem reared its head early in the game when Ward fumbled during Miami’s opening drive, allowing Virginia Tech to recover at the Miami 30-yard line. This blunder led to an early score for the Hokies, giving them a lead they fiercely fought for throughout the match.
Ward’s night only grew more complicated. He threw two interceptions, both of which nearly handed the Hokies a touchdown. The first pick came during the second quarter, ultimately costing Miami 14 points, while the latter could have resulted in an even graver situation had it not concluded with a turnover on downs shortly after. Despite these turnovers, Ward’s dynamic ability proved crucial for Miami’s eventual comeback, showcasing moments of brilliance that could only be described as Heisman-caliber plays.
What Happened to the Miami Defense Against Virginia Tech?
Miami headed into their matchup against Virginia Tech boasting a top-10 scoring defense but left the field with their ranking dropping to tie with Alabama at 19th. While this isn’t a disastrous ranking, the Hurricanes allowed the most points they’ve surrendered all season—34. A significant aspect of this defensive struggle was the alarming number of missed tackles. Prior to facing the Hokies, Miami had recorded just 22 missed tackles across three games. But against Virginia Tech, that figure surged to an astonishing 20 missed tackles, according to analytics from Pro Football Focus. The defense struggled throughout the night, frequently allowing playmakers like Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten to break free.
Tuten, in particular, exploited Miami’s defensive weaknesses by racking up 141 rushing yards on 19 carries with a touchdown, marking the most rushing yards allowed by Miami to a single player this season. The Hurricanes allowed the Hokies to convert a staggering 9-of-14 third-down attempts, raising questions regarding Miami’s ability to maintain defensive composure under pressure.
How Healthy Is Miami After the Virginia Tech Game?
The Miami squad was already grappling with significant injuries heading into the Virginia Tech game. Star pass rusher Rueben Bain has been sidelined since the opening week against Florida, while the offensive line has had to navigate a carousel of injuries affecting Ryan Rodriguez and Jalen Rivers. The absence of defensive backs Jaden Harris and Damari Brown further exacerbates the challenges faced by Miami’s already thin secondary.
The situation grew dire during the game, as several players on the defensive line, such as Akheem Mesidor, Simeon Barrow Jr., and Elijah Alston, sustained injuries. With the team struggling against the Hokies, regaining health and depth appears to be a top priority for the Hurricanes if they genuinely aim to contend for the ACC title.
One pressing concern is left tackle Jalen Rivers, whose replacement Markel Bell faced difficulty against the Hokies’ pass rush, placing Ward in uncomfortable situations that he had largely avoided in the prior games. As Miami continues to work toward its goals, the health of key players will loom large over their upcoming matchups.
Should Cal Be a Concern for Miami?
Now at 5-0 with an ACC victory under their belts, the Hurricanes are set to travel to Berkeley, California, to face the 3-1 Golden Bears in an intriguing interconference clash. The travel, time difference, and late kickoff (10:30 p.m. CST) introduce unique challenges for the Hurricanes. With a potentially tricky matchup ahead, Mario Cristobal’s team cannot afford to underestimate Cal, as they may have unwittingly done with Virginia Tech. The upcoming game against Cal poses a litmus test; how the Hurricanes respond under these circumstances could very well define their trajectory as they continue their pursuit of an ACC title and a shot at the College Football Playoff.