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Nothing Went Right In Orange Bowl Finale

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2007

CORAL GABLES - The Miami Hurricanes lost 48-0 to Virginia on Saturday night in the final game at the Orange Bowl. It was their worst home loss since 1944.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: The atmosphere was great as the fans were energetic and the pregame festivities were electric, led by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who got the crowd excited before the team came on the field.

When the game started, nothing went right.

WHAT WENT WRONG: Everything. Offense, defense and special teams.

The offense accounted for 189 yards on 60 plays, an average of 3.2 per play. It also had five turnovers, including four in the first half.

The defense gave up five touchdowns and 418 yards. It allowed Virginia's tight end trio of John Phillips, Tom Santi and Jonathan Stupar to account for 10 receptions and 154 yards. The lone bright spot was Randy Phillips' first-quarter pick.

On special teams, Miami had a punt blocked in the first quarter, which allowed Virginia to take over on the Miami 4-yard line. Virginia scored two plays later for a 14-0 edge.

Even when the game was decided in the second half, Miami could not move the ball down the field and avoid the shutout.

INJURY REPORT: RB Shawnbrey McNeal injured his left ankle and was on crutches after the game. There is no word on the severity of his injury. RB Graig Cooper is expected to be fine after injuring his left leg late in the game.

UP AHEAD: The Canes (5-5, 2-4 ACC) need one victory to become bowl eligible as they travel to Blacksburg, Va., to face No. 10 Virginia Tech (8-2, 5-1) this week. Virginia Tech has defeated Miami three of the past four years, including last year's 24-10 win.

THEY SAID IT: "I can't even explain how much I wanted to go out with a win and send the fans, the fellow seniors, and the former players out with a win. To not get it done was extremely disappointing." - QB Kyle Wright

Christopher Stock

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