3 days ago3 min read

Hurricanes Stung By Yellow Jackets, Get First Loss

On Nov. 9, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-4, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosted the fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-1, 5-1 ACC) in a clash of ACC foes. In the 29th all-time matchup between the schools, the series is tied 14-14 after last season's 23-20 victory by Georgia Tech and head coach Brent Key. What transpired was an epic 28-23 win by the Yellow Jackets, who gave the Hurricanes their first loss of the season.

What Happened in the Game?

The game started quickly with the Yellow Jackets taking the opening drive 85 yards in four plays for an early 7-0 lead. Running back Jamal Haynes was a force on the drive, running for 81 yards on two carries including a 16-yard touchdown run. The Hurricanes answered with scoring drives of their own, highlighted by a 74-yard TD pass from quarterback Cam Ward to tight end Elijah Arroyo and a 41-yard field goal by Andres Borregales to take a 10-7 lead after the first quarter. That was the only lead for the Hurricanes as the Yellow Jackets and quarterbacks Haynes King and Aaron Philo scored 14 points to take a 21-10 lead in the third quarter.

In a surprise choice, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal chose to go for the 2-point conversion after Ward connected with receiver Isaiah Horton for an 8-yard TD to make the score 21-16. The Yellow Jackets answered with a 9-play, 75-yard drive to extend the lead to 28-16 after a 5-yard run by King. The Yellow Jackets' defense came up huge, holding the Hurricanes to what would be the second of three drives to end with a turnover on downs. The Hurricanes drove the field 78 yards, highlighted by a 38-yard strike from Ward to receiver Xavier Restrepo to make it 28-23 Miami with 6 minutes left to play. After holding the Yellow Jackets to a punt, the Hurricanes' offense was given a chance. The final Hurricanes' drive ended with a sack and forced fumble of Ward recovered by Georiga Tech defensive lineman Jordan Van Den Berg.

Players of the Game

Haynes King, Quarterback, Georgia Tech

After missing the previous two games for the Yellow Jackets, King was announced as the starter shortly before kickoff. While he didn't light up the sky passing (6-for-6 for 31 yards), he was responsible for two of the team's four TDs and led the team in rushing with 93 yards. His leadership was missing for the Yellow Jackets and despite not being healthy, he led his team to one of the best wins in program history.

Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami Hurricanes

Despite the losing effort, Ward had a great day. He finished 25-of-39 passing for 348 yards and three TDs. He was able to complete throws to any spot on the field and anticipate where his playmakers were. Despite the loss, he showed why he remains a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.

What Does it All Mean

For the Yellow Jackets, being able to sting the Hurricanes for the second season in a row is a monumental boost. With the win, the Yellow Jackets are now officially bowl-eligible. Although it seemed as though King was not totally healthy, cKey and his staff did well to get King game reps that King maximized. The Yellow Jackets have a bye week on Nov. 16 before a home game against the NC State Wolfpack (5-4, 2-3 ACC).

For the Hurricanes, the loss is meaningful. They drop their first conference game and move into a tie with Clemson (6-2, 5-1 ACC) for second place in the conference. The good news for the Hurricanes is that the loss doesn't mean the season is lost. They are still in the hunt for the playoffs. Cristobal and his staff need to remind the team of that. The Hurricanes next play Wake Forest on Nov. 23 after a bye week on Nov. 16.