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Michael Rocco's 10-yard touchdown pass to Jake McGee with six seconds remaining in the game lifted the Virginia Cavaliers (4-6, 2-4) to a 41-40 win over the Miami Hurricanes (5-5, 4-3) on Saturday afternoon.
Virginia trailed by 10 points with just six minutes remaining in the game, but cut into the deficit with 5:33 left to play, when Rocco connected on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Darius Jennings, cutting Miami's lead to 38-35.
After Virginia regained possession of the ball, Rocco was called for intentional grounding in his own end zone, resulting in a sack and safety, giving Miami a 40-35 lead -- and the ball.
Virginia's defense forced Miami to go three-and-out immediately, giving the Cavaliers one last chance to take the lead. With just 2:38 remaining, the Cavaliers started on a 16 play, 87-yard drive that culminated with Rocco's fourth touchdown pass of the day, giving Virginia a 41-40 lead.
Rocco finished the day 29-of-37 passing for 300 yards and four touchdowns.
Miami fell just short despite Duke Johnson's highly productive game. Johnson finished the game with 16 carries for 150 yards. Johnson also completed an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, and returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Virginia and Miami both committed six penalties in the game, and Virginia held a narrow edge in total yards, outgaining Miami 482-420.
Box Score Hero: Rocco played the hero, completing his fourth touchdown pass with just six seconds to play, en route to 300 yards passing for the day.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither team will factor into next week's rankings.
But Did They Cover? Virginia was favored by 1.5 points, and did not cover.
For More On This Game: For more on Hoos football, visit Virginia blog Streaking The Lawn. For more on Canes football, visit Miami blog The 7th Floor.
Next Week's Schedule: Virginia will play host to North Carolina on Thursday, while Miami will host South Florida on Saturday.
