Tech Seals Up Coastal Division With Win at Miami

The Hokies earned a trip to the ACC Championship game with a 31-17 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. The win marks nine in a row and has led to a 7-0 record in ACC play. Ryan Williams led the Hokies on the ground with 142 yards rushing with two touchdowns including a 84-yard touchdown scamper early in the fourth quarter that put the Hokies ahead for good. Tyrod Taylor threw for 94 yards on just 7 of 15 completions. Taylor connected with Danny Coale for a 43-yard touchdown pass as well as ran one in himself.

The game was even through three quarters as the Hurricanes and the Hokies traded scores causing the game to be tied four times through out. The Hurricanes opened the scoring on the first drive of the game effectively running the ball down field. Graig Cooper and Damien Berry took turns racking up yards and freshman quarterback Stephen Morris added a few big completions both to Leonard Hankerson including the touchdown scoring 9-yard play. Morris, who's playing for injured Jacory Harris, who was out due to a concussion despite really being cleared to play.

The Hokies gave the ball right back to the Canes on a fumble by Taylor after being sacked. This turned out to be the Hokies only turnover. It looked as if the Hokies were in for a long day but the Canes virtually handed the Hokies the game with six turnovers including two fumbles, three interceptions, and a missed field goal.

Overall, the Hokies were fairly lack-luster on offense. Outside of a few big plays, the Hokies struggled to move the ball for most of the game. The Hokies managed just 369 yards of total offense, 1/3 of which came on two plays.

Meanwhile the Hokies defense stepped up big in the second half. The three straight interceptions in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory late. Jayron Hosley, Davon Morgan, and Tariq Edwards made interceptions on consecutive drives. Edwards got his first career interception while Hosley leads the nation in interceptions.

The Hokies face the Virginia Cavaliers at noon on Saturday with a chance to continue the streak of consecutive ten win seasons which would be the nation's longest since the University of Texas (the only other team to have a matching steak) will not be able to continue their streak this year as they will have to beat a very good Texas A&M just to be bowl eligible.