The ending of Friday night’s Virginia Tech-Miami game was filled with controversy and drama. Virginia Tech thought they had pulled off a stunning upset over No. 7 Miami when quarterback Kyron Drones’ last-second Hail Mary appeared to be caught in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. However, after a lengthy review, officials reversed the decision, ruling the pass incomplete. As a result, Miami secured a 38-34 victory.
The controversy stemmed from unclear replay angles, which made it difficult to determine whether the ball was caught or who had possession at the critical moment. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the ACC released a statement the next morning explaining the decision. The statement read, “During the review process of the last play of the Virginia Tech at Miami game, it was determined that the loose ball was touched by a Miami player while he was out of bounds which makes it an incomplete pass and immediately ends the play.”
HAIL MARY NO GOOD 😳
No. 7 Miami outlasted Virginia Tech after the Hokies' final play was ruled incomplete. pic.twitter.com/Xrpl2UFod9
— ESPN (@espn) September 28, 2024
This ruling had significant implications. Had the play stood, Miami’s national and ACC title hopes would have taken a huge hit. Meanwhile, a victory would have rejuvenated Virginia Tech’s season after a disappointing start. Following the decision, Hokie wide receiver Stephen Gosnell expressed frustration in a since-deleted social media post, writing, “ACC knows what they did. I wanna see consequences.”
Both teams will head to California for their Week 6 matchups. Miami (5-0) remains undefeated and will visit the Cal Golden Bears, while Virginia Tech (2-3) will face Stanford.
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