We had to begin this one with the end in mind. That final offensive drive by Miami felt like a team that was destined to win. Not because it was a clinical march down the field devoid of mistakes and filled with efficient execution, but because it was not. The drive started with a sack of Cam Ward for a major loss. Oh boy! Not the way most authors would choose to write the start of a dramatic game winning drive but stay with me here. There was a big run gain by Damien Martinez that was wiped out by a holding call on Horton. It was a ticky tack flag from a Miami perspective, but by the letter of the law it was a good call.
Then Ward inexplicably missed Isaiah Horton wide open for an easy third down conversion on the boundary where Killer Cam sailed a pass into the heavens over the bewildered looking redshirt sophomore. Is this drive really going to be the one that gets us to the promised land? At that moment, it was looking shaky. But then— it happened. On fourth and gotta have it to keep the game alive, Xavier Restrepo went in motion and slipped when he started to make his inside break. The ball was thrown with anticipation to the hot route against an all-out blitz, so the pigskin was already out of Ward’s hands by the time we all gasped at the realization that our primary target was on the ground on his black like a break dancing turtle!
Somehow, someway, X was able to make it past the first down marker and keep his concentration from the seat of his pants. Restrepo made a sensational unlikely unbelievable catch to give the Canes new life and a new set of downs. At this point Canes fans around the globe were all hyperventilating and Virginia Tech looked stunned. The Miami Hurricanes on the field did too. I yelled out in my preacher voice: “Did that really just happen?!?” And the Lord responded, “YES IT DID!” That is when I knew the Canes were definitely going to win the game.
Ward’s Heisman Moment?
Little did I know that another miracle play was on its way just a few moments later. I don’t want to overlook how massive it was that on first down Cam Ward calmly scooped up a bad snap from Carpenter that dribbled its way safely to the quarterback and he was still able to hand it off to Martinez for a gain instead of what looked like a definitive loss. However, when it comes to the magnitude of the result of the play, what Cam Ward did later in the drive on a subsequent first down with two minutes and twenty-eight seconds to go was absolutely unreal and deserves all of the emphasis. Our right tackle Mauigoa was beaten right out of the gates and before Ward had a chance to process anything he was getting mauled by the Hokies like it was a reversal of what we do on Thanksgiving. It looked like a definite sack before Ward shed the blow like a UFC heavyweight, somehow stayed on his feet, and stepped into his moment.
Then came former Cane Kaleb Spencer. He was on a revenge mission all night trying to destroy his former Miami teammates’ dreams. He sought out to end Cam Ward with a potentially game winning sack to accompany his devastating red zone interception that he collected earlier in the competition. Spencer threw the young would-be blocker Riley Williams to the ground and had Ward in his grasp. It looked like it was over for Killer Cam. It seemed like it was over for us. Yet somehow, Williams kept his wits and was able to have the awareness to pick himself up and made himself an available target for Ward who was clearly in distress. Ward was able to stay on his feet, fighting for his life and fighting for his team while getting mugged in a phone booth…..and then— it happened! The double handed impromptu push pass guided the one pound brown ball like a priceless Fabergé egg to the soft hands #88. From an audacious set of circumstances Ward willed it into the waiting arms of Williams and the kid knew exactly what to do with it. Go!
The 6’6” giant former four star caught it, shed a few tacklers, rumbled, mumbled, and bumbled for 25 glorious yards. Setting up a first and goal that Ward quickly turned into a touchdown connection with Horton. From that moment and then on it felt like fate was on our side. We were going to win this game!
The Right Call
I know most media outlets and writers started off their segments and articles about this game discussing the “controversial” final Fail Mary play. However, to me that play was never in doubt. It was clearly not a catch and should never have been called a touchdown on the field. The receiver Felton never had firm possession of the ball, did not survive the ground as he was quickly separated from it by a Miami defender who was also touching the ball while out of bounds. It was clear from the video review that this was not a catch and not a touchdown. For all the folks whining about how the refs should not have been able to overturn the call because they did not have enough clear video evidence to do so, I ask you this question: do you think ultimately the right call was made? If your answer is “yes” then the conversation is over. I don’t want to hear about clear video evidence. Last season the video referees had clear video evidence to overturn the Don Chaney Jr. fumble that created the losing situation against Georgia Tech in the famous kneel-gate game and the refs did not do the right thing. Friday night in Hard Rock, with the weight of the world on their shoulders, the video official made the right call. It was clearly not a catch.
The Rest of the Game
In a night electrified by passion and determination, the Miami Hurricanes delivered one of the most exhilarating comebacks in recent college football history, defeating Virginia Tech 38-34 in a game that will be etched in our collective memories of fans forever. The scene was set under the dazzling lights of Hard Rock Stadium, where the air was thick with anticipation, and the loyal Hurricanes faithful were ready to rally behind their team.
The game started ominously for Miami. Quarterback Cam Ward, who had shown nothing but brilliance throughout the season, stumbled early, throwing two costly interceptions and an unforced fumble that seemed to deflate the stadium. The Virginia Tech defense, ferocious and relentless, capitalized on these mistakes, taking a commanding lead that had fans questioning whether their hopes for a successful season were slipping away in the first game of Atlantic Coast Conference play.
But as great athletes do, Ward refused to be defined by his early errors. Instead of allowing doubt to creep in, he channeled his frustration into fierce determination. With each snap, in the fourth frame, Ward began to find his rhythm, demonstrating the poise and resilience that has made him a contender for the Heisman Trophy.
As the second half unfolded, the Hurricanes dug deep, driven by a blend of desperation and resolve. Ward’s transformation was nothing short of spectacular. With laser-focused accuracy, he began to carve through the Virginia Tech secondary, connecting with his receivers in ways that left defenders grasping at air. The crowd roared back to life, igniting a sense of belief that surged through the stands like a wave. Malik Bryant made plays to keep us in it and the offense started to wake up at the end of the third quarter.
The turning point came in the third quarter. With Miami trailing by 10 points, the Hokies smelled blood in the water and went for the jugular. They made the ill-fated decision to fake the field goal and went for the touchdown instead. Malik Byrant blew the play up and the momentum changed significantly from there. Ward orchestrated a masterful 75-yard drive that culminated in a stunning 17-yard touchdown run by the triggerman to set the game and the crowd on fire. The momentum had shifted, and you could feel it in the stadium; the Hurricanes were hungry for victory.
With just minutes left on the clock, the tension was palpable. Ward, now fully in command, orchestrated another brilliant drive, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He not only threw with precision but also demonstrated his athleticism with key runs on critical third downs that left defenders in his wake. In a breathtaking sequence, he evaded a collapsing pocket and sprinted for a crucial first down, igniting a frenzy among the fans.
Final Flawless Victory
As the clock ticked down, Ward’s leadership shined through. He executed a fantastic final drive, culminating in a touchdown that took the lead back in a game where we spent most of our time playing catch up. With every play Hard Rock grew louder and louder. We could all feel the momentum change after the failed fake field goal by Virginia Tech, but Miami was not finished yet. The belief was there that we could finish this with a win and get a critical stop on defense. That’s what led to the much discussed Fail Mary play.
As the head official relayed that the video referee overturned the erroneous catch and game winning touchdown call for Virginia Tech and declared the game over, the jubilation in Hard Rock Stadium was deafening. Players embraced, and fans erupted, celebrating not just a comeback win but a testament to resilience and spirit. Cam Ward posed on field for a picture with his cousin Kyron Drones, who himself had played a hell of a game. However, someone had to win and big cousin took all of the bragging rights on Friday night. Cam Ward transformed from a struggling quarterback into a potential Heisman contender, proving that greatness often rises from adversity. The whole nation was watching and paying attention as evidenced by tweets from the likes of Patrick Mahomes to Dez Bryant to Louis Riddick and RG3. The emotions of that game led to an impassioned speech given by Michael Irvin after the game where he stated that “you gotta go through this thing to get the ring.”
In the days to come, this game will be analyzed and remembered, not just for the instant classic nature of it and the final score, but for the heart and grit displayed by the Hurricanes. Cam Ward’s journey from early mistakes to a breathtaking victory encapsulates the very essence of college football—where hope can be rekindled, legends are born in the most unexpected moments and the support of your teammates can help to pull you through during the tough times. As Miami looks to the future, one thing is clear: this team, led by an electrifying quarterback, has the potential to make waves in the national conversation. The storm has arrived, and the Hurricanes are ready to devastate the field. It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane!
