100 Greatest Plays in Miami History: #44- Mike James Overtime Winner Against Georgia Tech in 2012

There are many reasons why football — specifically the college variety — is one of the best sports around. The spirit, pride and sense of community are but a few ingredients in the recipe that makes the sport a resounding hit. One of the neat aspects of college football is overtime.

In 2012, the Hurricanes found themselves in a battle with ACC coastal rivals Georgia Tech. It was a feast-or-famine contest for either side, with the Hurricanes arriving first to the dinner table. The Hurricanes scored 19 points after one quarter, appearing to be on their way to a blowout. However, the Yellow Jackets found life in the second quarter, shutting out the ’Canes and entering halftime with a 22-19 lead.

The second half had continued the trend of the second quarter as the Yellow Jackets added another 17 points before the Hurricanes kicked a field goal. Miami entered the fourth quarter down 36-28. Illustrating the flare for the dramatic, UM had a late game surge behind QB Stephen Morris — 436 passing yards, two passing TDs — and RB Mike James that resulted in the team scoring 20 points in the quarter. Miami’s defense stonewalled Georgia Tech in a 4th and goal situation to give the ball back to their offense, with a chance to win the game.

Although Mike James didn’t rush for a whole lot of yardage, he was integral in sparking UM’s offense back into contention. After helping the Hurricanes even the score late in the fourth quarter, James would go on to seal the game in Miami’s favor. The first play for the Hurricanes on offense resulted in no gain. The senior RB would make the most of his next carry. James would take the handoff and run behind the block of FB Maurice Hagan. Cutting to the left of Hagan’s block, James broke free of the defense turning upfield and untouched into the endzone for the 25-yard game winning touchdown.

The victory elevated the Hurricanes to 3-1 on the regular season and was the program’s fourth consecutive win over the Yellow Jackets dating back to 2009.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!