Miami traveled up to Blacksburg on Saturday afternoon and defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies, 20-14. The Canes are now 3-3 (1-1 in the ACC) and have finally snapped their three-game losing streak.
1. Miami played short-handed.
Before the game, head coach Mario Cristobal announced that four key starters were out: RB Henry Parrish, WR Michael Redding III, LB Waymond Steed, and CB/PR Tyrique Stevenson. Despite the limited weapons, TVD and the rest of the Canes roster played well.
2. TVD had another great game. Colbie Young is HIM.
Miami’s offense was very one-dimensional Saturday which gave an opportunity for two specific players to shine.
TVD played pretty well, completing 29-of-46 passes for 351 yards and two touchdowns. But, the MVP of the offense was true freshman receiver Colbie Young. Young had nine receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. He had a highlight reel catch early on when he caught a one-handed ball for 37 yards on 2nd and 17. He also caught a 17 yard touchdown pass, showing his potential.
The offense was one-dimensional because Miami had only 93 yards on 22 carries, struggling to get a running game going all afternoon.
3. Both teams are very undisciplined
Saturday’s game included a lot of penalties. There were 24 combined by the two teams.
Virginia Tech had seven penalties for 56 yards, while Miami had 17 penalties for 162 yards. An impactful penalty was on the last Virginia Tech scoring drive when Miami stopped Virginia Tech on 3rd and 11, and then Te’Cory Couch hit QB Grant Wells out of bounds, tacking 15 yards. On the next play, DJ Ivey got a questionable pass interference call when the ball was not catchable.
Despite being undisciplined, there were no interceptions or fumbles lost in the game.
Overall, the Canes got a much-needed win. Next Saturday, the Canes will come back to the Rock and play Duke. Kick-off is at 12:30 on Bally Sports.