MIAMI, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Allen Bailey made the last of Miami's six sacks on fourth down with two minutes remaining Thursday, preserving the Hurricanes 16-14 win over Virginia Tech.
Miami fought off a Hokies comeback bid to take the lead in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Although neither team is ranked nationally, the contest was a key encounter in determining the eventual ACC champion and the league's BCS bowl bid.
Javarris James rushed for a Miami touchdown and Matt Bosher kicked three field goals to give the Hurricanes an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor, however, brought the Hokies within two with a 6-yard scoring run with 3:28 to play. Virginia Tech used its remaining time outs to stop the clock and Miami had to punt the ball away.
The Hokies, however, could not manage a first down and their hopes ended when Allen broke through to sack Taylor and hand the ball back to Miami. Marcus Robinson had three of Miami's sacks.
Miami improved to 7-3 for the year and 4-2 in conference play.
Virginia Tech fell to 6-4 and 3-3.
North Carolina can move back into a tie with Miami for the division lead with a win over Maryland Saturday. The Tar Heels have the tiebreak advantage in the division thanks to their victory over Miami earlier this season.
