ATLANTA — Miami's 42-36 overtime win at Georgia Tech Saturday might have qualified as a classic run-vs.-pass contest. It definitely was a game of scoring streaks and big numbers for Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris and running back Mike James.
Morris passed for a career-high 436 yards, fifth-most in Miami history, James scored four touchdowns and the Hurricanes (3-1, 2-0 ACC) beat Tech (2-2, 1-2) for the fourth straight time, scoring the first 19 points and the final 23.
The Yellow Jackets scored 36 straight in between. But on the first possession of OT, the Hurricanes stuffed quarterback Tevin Washington on fourth and inches at the Miami 1.
"We knew exactly what they were going to do," said Miami defensive end Anthony Chickillo, a former Alonso standout. "Man, it was just awesome."
James had a 25-yard scoring run two plays later.
"My whole body was numb," Morris said after completing 31 of 52 for two touchdown. "I was so excited, and so happy for the program. Everything we've been going through for the past couple years … that was huge."
Miami is under NCAA investigation in connection with the athletic department's relationship with a former booster.
Morris wasn't sacked and rarely was pressured — especially on an eight-play, 91-yard drive in 1:33 to force OT. His 10-yard pass to James tied it at 36 with 27 seconds left in regulation.
"I don't know what to say," Jackets coach Paul Johnson said. "I think I'm as disappointed as I've ever been. It was like two or three different games. They made plays at the end of the game and we didn't."
It was Tech's second overtime loss. The Jackets dropped their opener at Virginia Tech when Washington was intercepted. They've had three OT losses in their last five games, including a Sun Bowl loss to Utah last season.
"They just manhandled us, and out-executed us," Tech linebacker Brandon Watts said after Miami had 609 yards and made 30 first downs to the Jackets' 18. "I felt like we weren't prepared."
James finished with 89 yards and three scores on 15 carries, adding three catches for 24 yards and a touchdown. His first score came on a 1-yard run at the end of the first quarter, moments after freshman receiver Malcolm Lewis suffered a dislocated ankle and was taken to a hospital.
"I'm sure some people at home turned off their TVs," James said. "But the team stuck with each other. Guys didn't quit."
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