Miami has flirted with danger several times this season, but in all of those previous cases, the U was able to prevail.
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That finally came to an end on Friday.
Miami was stunned by a 4-7 Pittsburgh team, as Pitt completely controlled most of the game on their way to a 24-14 upset. The usually turnover happy Miami squad forced two early turnovers, but the Hurricanes were unable to really capitalize and then were unable to force a turnover for the remainder of the game.
One of the most interesting decisions of the season will be Mark Richt's decision to bench quarterback Malik Rosier with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Rosier was 12-for-30 passing up to that point, but the quarterback had helped lead Miami to a 10-0 start on the season. Backup Evan Shirriffs was ineffective on his first drive, throwing two tipped passes and absorbing a sack.
After that possession, Pitt led a long drive that wound up with a bootleg run for a touchdown to make it a three-score game. Miami was able to score quickly on their next drive, but it was too little, too late.
Miami will still face Clemson next week in the ACC Championship Game, but their Playoff hopes took an enormous hit on Friday afternoon.
