The Miami Hurricanes came into today controlling their destiny in the ACC Coastal Division and were facing a Virginia team that had yet to win a conference game this season, going 0-3 in the ACC. Things were looking great for the Hurricanes, but they destroyed their chances with, count them, 5 interceptions.
With 11:56 remaining in the game, Virginia led 24-0. Miami managed to get on the scoreboard, and made it interesting, scoring three straight touchdowns to make it 24-19 with just under five minutes left. Virginia got the ball back, but Miami was unable to come up with a stop. Ballgame.
Miami quarterback Jacory Harris was hit hard three minutes into the second quarter, and did not return. He finished 7/13 for 85 yards, but threw an interception on the play that knocked him out of the game. Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple's son Spencer Whipple finished the second quarter, but only completed 2 passes for 22 yards and 2 interceptions.
True freshman Stephen Morris made his collegiate debut for Miami coming out of the locker room to start the second half. It took some time for him to get into rhythm, but he led the Hurricanes in the comeback. He finished the game 9/22, had 162 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Definitely was not a terrible showing for a true freshman quarterback in a road game.
Virginia was 0-6 against ranked teams going back to 2008 (against Georgia Tech), and broke that streak today. The game was the most interceptions for a Virginia defense since 1994.
A takeaway for Georgia Tech fans would be to not let up on the gas pedal in two weeks when the teams meet. Miami showed its athleticism and explosive scoring power, putting up 19 points in just under 6 minutes. Another thing to watch is Jacory Harris's injury. He took a huge hit, and there is the chance he might not be able to play in two weeks.
For more on the two teams, visit The 7th Floor and Streaking The Lawn.