COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Third-Ranked Miami Survives Scare From Virginia Tech and Wins, 27-13

Melvin Bratton’s one-yard touchdown run snapped a tie with 4:51 left Saturday night, helping third-ranked Miami beat Virginia Tech, 27-13, and move within one victory of an Orange Bowl bid.

Miami (8-0) turned in its most lackluster performance of the season in defeating the Hokies (1-9). The score was tied, 10-10, at the half and 13-13 after three quarters.

Bratton’s score came one play after Virginia Tech’s recovery of his fumble in the end zone was nullified by a penalty. One official signaled that Virginia Tech had recovered for a touchback, but the Hokies were penalized for being offside.

Miami scored another touchdown with 34 seconds remaining on a two-yard pass from Steve Walsh to Alfredo Roberts after the Hokies lost the ball on downs at their 18. Walsh completed 15 of 24 passes for 154 yards and also threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Michael Irvin.

Miami increased its regular-season winning streak to 29 games, longest in the nation.

Before the game, Orange Bowl officials said Miami was nearly a lock to receive a bid to play the Big Eight champion if the Hurricanes could defeat Virginia Tech and Toledo next week.