CHARLOTTESVILLE – I am going to be honest with you. These recaps are supposed to be straight-forward. In the style of the associated press. I watched today’s 14-12 Hurricanes win over Virginia at Twin Peaks with Legend contributor Brian ‘Beast’ London. I could write how this was a defensive display and will of wills that got Miami their fourth win on the season and evened out their overall and conference records at .500. But that would imply this result was something to cheer. It was not.

Miami’s defense once again put forth a solid, very good day. Based on how they have played this year, this team should be 7-1 right now, not 4-4. They allowed six points in regulation on two field goals. They pitched a shut out in the second half and at one point, seemed like they would have to get a score to get a win. Kevin Steele’s unit held the Cavaliers to 327 yards of offense, but it was Josh Gattis who continued to be this teams’ achilles heel.

The Miami offense under the 2021 Broyles Award winner managed just 272 yards of offense. The offense did not get to the Cavalier redzone until the second to last play of the first half when Jake Garcia ran for two yards on 3rd & 3 from the Virginia 22. The Canes first three second half possessions went for a total of 17 plays, 72 yards and zero points. In fact, Miami never got the ball out of their own side of the field until their final drive of regulation which resulted in a 20-yard Andy Borregales field goal as time expired to tie the game at 6-6.

In overtime, the teams traded field goals on their first two possessions. Miami then stopped Virginia on their 2-point conversion play and Miami converted on theirs as Garcia ran for a 2-yard score. The first play that ended in the endzone for either team all day. The Canes will welcome Florida State to the Rock this Saturday for a 7:30 kickoff.