Miami (7-1, 4-1), which had lost four of its last five appearances in Blacksburg, put an authoritative end to the slump.
"I didn't really expect it to be like this," Miami quarterback Kyle Wright said.
With UCLA also losing Saturday, the only undefeated teams remaining in college football are Texas, USC and Alabama. Because Alabama still has to play Louisiana State, Auburn and an opponent in the Southeastern Conference Championship game, the Crimson Tide's road to Pasadena is filled with potholes.
Peeved that Virginia Tech spent part of the week talking about Texas and USC, Miami tried to ensure that the Hokies would not face either of them. The Hurricanes are not traditionally known as spoilers, but they are certainly qualified. Miami, which has not lost since the first game of the season, at Florida State, will now probably be considered the best one-loss team in the country.
"We had a little edge," coach Larry Coker said. "We took it a little personal."
Virginia Tech and Miami have two of the fastest defenses in college football, but Miami was several steps faster Saturday. The Hurricanes, with the nation's No. 1 total defense and the No. 1 pass defense, upstaged the Hokies, who boasted the nation's No. 2 total defense and the No. 2 pass defense.
"They knew we were a fast team," Miami defensive tackle Kareem Brown said. "But I think it was a shock for them because they haven't played this kind of speed this year."
The Virginia Tech offensive line and quarterback were overwhelmed. Vick completed 8 of 22 passes for 90 yards. He lost four fumbles, one of which went for a touchdown and another that set up a field goal. He threw two interceptions, one leading to a touchdown. Coming into the game, Vick was among the best comeback stories in college football. Now, he will be regarded as a major reason the Hokies are missing out on another chance at a national title.
"I don't feel like I was forcing things," Vick said. "Sometimes I had to get rid of the ball and hope my receivers made a play. Unfortunately, they didn't."
Vick received a shipment of new cleats this week from his older brother, Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick, to wear against Miami. The shoes, known as Vick III's, are advertised to have a "molded bottom" and a "mid-range" to support the ankle, but they did nothing for the arm.
Normally more accurate than his brother, Marcus Vick completed 1 of 10 passes in the first half for six yards.
Miami only needed to wait for Vick's mistakes. Wright did not complete a pass until the final minute of the first quarter, yet he still had a three-point lead. When Wright finally found his range, Virginia Tech's Darryl Tapp knocked him woozy with an illegal hit. Not only did Wright sit out most of the second quarter, but starting tailback Tyrone Moss sprained his left knee and receiver Devin Hester pulled a hamstring.
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