’CANES ROLL PAST HOKIES
Duke Johnson gains 249 yards on 29 carries
BLACKSBURG, Va. — It was the kind of complete performance Miami has wanted — and needed — all season.
Duke Johnson ran wild. The UM defense forced three turnovers and the Hurricanes kept their hopes for a Coastal Division crown alive with a 30-6 win over Virginia Tech on Thursday night.
It was Miami’s first road win of the season and eased weeks of frustration after three embarrassing performances in prime-time nationa l l y- t e l ev i s e d games at Louisville, Nebraska and Georgia Tech.
This time, Miami shined in the national spotlight. The Hurricanes picked up their first win in Blacksburg since handling the Hokies 27-7 in 2005. Coincidentally, that was also the last time Miami held Virginia Tech scoreless in a half — something they did Thursday night, quieting a sellout crowd of 64,007 that filled Lane Stadium early before trickling out well before the fourth quarter started.
And as they have throughout his career, the Hurricanes turned to Johnson, who de- livered with a performance that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
The j u n i o r, w h o has steadily moved up Miami’s record book all season, put together a career night rushing for 29 times for 249 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown.
That total was the third best by a Hurricane in a single game, tying the mark set by Lorenzo Roan in 1980 against East Carolina.
Johnson was also used in the passing game and was Miami’s leading receiver with two catches for 37 yards, including his catch of a laserlike throw from Brad Kaaya that turned into a 22-yard touchdown right before halftime and gave Miami a 24-0 lead going into the break.
Kaaya, who has been solid all season for Miami, completed 7-of-16 passes for 92 yards.
The Hurricanes got a scare though late when with about six minutes left in the game, Johnson seemingly got hurt on his last carry and was on the turf at Lane Stadium briefly. Miami’s flagship radio station WQAM reported that Johnson twisted his ankle. He walked off the field on his own and did not return in the blowout victory.
The Hurricanes (5-3, 2-2 ACC) were aggressive both offensively and defensively from the get-go.
Offensive coordinator James Coley had Johnson line up in the wildcat formation early, and the running back delivered, gaining 15 yards on Miami’s second drive of the night, a drive that ended with a 28-yard Michael Badgley field goal. One possession later, Miami used the wildcat again, this time with Stacy Coley handling the snap and gaining two yards. On that drive, Kaaya and Johnson connected again — this time for 15 yards on a third-and-8. Ultimately, that methodical 12-play 79-yard drive ended with a 3-yard touchdown run from Gus Edwards that gave Miami a 10-0 lead.
The maligned Miami defense turned in one of its best performances of the season, forcing three fumbles.