The Miami Hurricanes’ undefeated run came to an end on Saturday as Georgia Tech handed them a 28-23 loss in Atlanta. Despite valiant efforts from star quarterback Cam Ward, who continued his impressive season with 348 passing yards and three touchdowns, Miami’s defense faltered at critical moments. In a game where the Hurricanes struggled to control the tempo, Georgia Tech exposed several defensive vulnerabilities that Miami must address if they hope to stay in contention for the ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth.
Cam Ward’s stats were impressive, with a 64% completion rate and three touchdowns. His season total of 32 passing touchdowns broke the UM single-season record, proving why he’s in the Heisman conversation. However, Ward’s standout moments were tempered by pressure from Georgia Tech’s defense, which sacked him three times, including a strip-sack on Miami’s final play. Miami’s offensive line, inconsistent throughout the season, left Ward scrambling under a three-man rush that ultimately sealed the game in Georgia Tech’s favor.
The Hurricanes’ defensive plan was straightforward: stop Georgia Tech’s running game. However, they couldn’t execute, allowing 271 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Haynes King, returning from injury, led the Yellow Jackets with 93 rushing yards, including the game-winning touchdown. Miami’s defensive line, which had high expectations going into the season, generated zero sacks and only five pressures, a disappointing performance for a unit that needed to step up.
Entering the game as one of the top teams in the nation on third and fourth downs, Miami uncharacteristically struggled, converting only 4 of 14 on those crucial plays. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech converted 9 of 14 third downs, keeping drives alive and wearing down Miami’s defense. This inefficiency extended to two failed fourth-down attempts in field-goal range, leaving six potential points on the board—points that would have made a significant difference.
With Miami trailing in the fourth quarter but poised to regain momentum, a costly defensive lapse occurred. After a pair of tackles for loss pushed Georgia Tech into a third-and-18, Miami’s secondary allowed a 27-yard pass to Bailey Stockton. This third-down conversion kept the drive alive, leading to Georgia Tech’s final touchdown. Nickelback Meesh Powell struggled, recording a PFF grade of 37.3, with his coverage score at a meager 38.0. Communication breakdowns and missed assignments in the secondary proved costly, amplifying Miami’s defensive struggles.
One of the few bright spots on defense was freshman cornerback O.J. Frederique Jr., who continued to demonstrate his potential as a top-tier lockdown corner. Frederique allowed only two catches for six yards on four targets, earning the team’s highest defensive grade (80.5) and coverage grade (80.9) from Pro Football Focus. His standout performance offered a glimpse of Miami’s defensive future, even in a game where the unit as a whole fell short.
While Saturday’s loss was a gut punch, the Hurricanes still have everything to play for. Sitting at 9-1 overall and 5-1 in ACC play, Miami retains control of its path to the ACC title game. If they can regroup and address their defensive inconsistencies, a playoff spot remains within reach. The team will have a chance to recharge over a bye week before facing Wake Forest and Syracuse to close the regular season.
For Miami, the path forward is clear, win and they are in. The Canes must clean up their defensive lapses and rely on more than Ward’s heroics if they want to stay in contention. The Hurricanes can’t afford another outing like Saturday’s if they hope to claim the ACC title and secure a coveted playoff position with a bye week.
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