The Miami Hurricanes lost several key players at Virginia Tech, but UM’s offense still found a way to pay off at times in a 20-14 win over the Hokies.
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke finished with 351 and two touchdowns to lead a one-dimensional UM offense. Colby Young was Van Dyke’s top target, totaling 110 yards.
Miami’s offense finally got off to a fast start as the Hurricanes made Virginia Tech pay with a quick strike, 5-play, 65-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to Frank Ladson. That drive was punctuated by plays that went for at least 30 yards, with Brashard Smith generating a 30-yard catch-and-run on a swing pass and Colby Young coming down the sideline with a spectacular 37-yard catch. Miami drive inside the Virginia Tech ten yard line.
The Hurricanes settled for a field goal on their next possession when Andy Boregales converted from 28 yards out to push UM’s lead to 10-0 on an 18-play, 71-yard drive with just over three minutes left in the opening quarter.
Midway through the second quarter, the Hurricanes capped an eight-play, 80-yard touchdown drive down the middle of the field with a pass from Van Dyke to Young to push Miami’s lead to 17-0 with 5:28 remaining in the second quarter.
Miami’s offense converted 6-of-9 third down chances while generating 302 yards of total offense. The Hurricanes scored on both red-zone drives, including two touchdowns.
Van Dyke led the way in the first half, going 17-of-27 for 241 yards with two touchdowns. Colby Young was his primary target in the first half, catching 5 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Brashard Smith caught four passes for 53 yards, while Will Mallory caught three passes for 62 yards before being taken to the locker room after taking a hit to the head in the second quarter.
The running game was limited in the first half, with Jaylan Knighton leading the charge with 24 yards on seven carries.
Miami’s offensive line allowed one sack in the first half.
In the third quarter, Miami’s offense scored a field goal to push the lead to 20-0.
Note: The following takeaways are published immediately after the game.