Hurricanes remain perfect by beating Virginia

Miami overcomes slow start, halftime deficit to outlast Cavaliers

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. ā€“ The Miami Hurricanes avoided the trap game Saturday and remained perfect by beating Virginia

Trailing at halftime, the Hurricanes rallied in the second half for aĀ 44-28 win that kept their 15-game winning streak alive.

Kurt BenkertĀ started out on fire for Virginia. He hit Joe Reed for a 75-yard touchdown pass to put Virginia up 14-0 in the first quarter.

No. 2 Miami (10-0, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Malik Rosier to Ahmmon Richards.

The 'Canes tied the score in the second quarter when Rosier hit Dayall Harris on a 36-yard touchdown strike.

Virginia (6-5, 3-4) scored on a 33-yard touchdown pass before the half to take a 21-14 lead.

In the third quarter, Virginia scored on a 26-yard touchdown pass to take a 28-14 lead.

That's when the 'Canes started theirĀ comeback.

Rosier hit Lawrence Cager on a 9-yard strike to cut Virginia's lead to 28-21.

Jaquan Johnson shifted all the momentum to Miami with a 30-yard interception for the touchdown.

After tying the game, Johnson was given the "turnover chain."

The 'Canes extended their lead in the fourth quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run by Rosier.

Miami is ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff. The 'Canes have one more regular-season game left against Pittsburgh next Friday.

After that, the 'Canes will take on Clemson in the ACC Championship game.


About the Author:

David Lang is executive producer of the Local 10 sports department.