
On September 27, 2024, the Virginia Tech Hokies faced the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes in a thrilling Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener at Hard Rock Stadium. The game concluded with Miami narrowly defeating Virginia Tech 38-34, but not without controversy.
The Hokies demonstrated resilience throughout the game, with quarterback Kyron Drones leading the offense effectively. Running back Bhayshul Tuten and wide receivers Ayden Greene and Jaylin Lane made significant contributions, keeping the Hokies competitive against the highly ranked Hurricanes.
The game’s climax occurred in the final moments when Drones launched a Hail Mary pass toward the end zone. Wide receiver Da’Quan Felton appeared to secure the catch amid a crowd of players, and the play was initially ruled a touchdown, suggesting a miraculous victory for Virginia Tech.
However, after an extensive replay review, officials overturned the touchdown call, citing that a Miami defender had touched the loose ball while out of bounds, rendering the pass incomplete. This decision sealed the Hurricanes’ 38-34 victory and sparked immediate debate and criticism.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry expressed significant frustration with the officiating. He criticized the lack of clear communication and visual evidence to justify the reversal, stating that the explanation provided was “confusing.” Pry only received a detailed explanation after reaching out to the head of ACC officials days later.
The controversial ending drew comparisons to the NFL’s infamous “Fail Mary” play between the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, with fans dubbing this incident “Fail Mary 2.0.” The ACC faced significant backlash, with critics arguing that the conference’s credibility was further damaged by the officiating decisions in this game.
Despite the loss, the Hokies showcased a strong offensive performance. Drones displayed poise under pressure, and the receiving corps, including Felton, Greene, and Lane, made pivotal plays. Running back Tuten provided balance to the offense with effective rushing attempts.
Defensively, Virginia Tech had notable contributions from players such as APR, Peebles, and Mose Phillips. However, the defense struggled in high-pressure situations, particularly in containing Miami’s late-game offensive surge.
The Hokies’ special teams also faced challenges, including a failed fake field goal attempt due to ineffective play calling inside the 20-yard line. This misstep was a critical turning point in the game, highlighting the need for more effective decision-making in crucial moments.
This game marked Virginia Tech’s 10th one-score game defeat, underscoring persistent issues such as the inability to execute a two-minute offense and intermediate play strategies. The Hokies aim to address these challenges as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Stanford, seeking to rebound from the controversial loss and even their season record.
On the other hand, Miami’s victory allowed them to remain unbeaten, bolstering their position in the ACC standings. The Hurricanes demonstrated resilience, overcoming a formidable challenge from the Hokies and capitalizing on critical opportunities, including the overturned Hail Mary. Miami now sets its sights on maintaining momentum as they prepare to face California in their next contest.
The September 27 matchup between Virginia Tech and Miami will be remembered not only for its thrilling gameplay but also for the contentious officiating decisions that reignited discussions about the role of replay reviews and the transparency of officiating in college football.