 The game kicked off in frigid 36°F (2°C) weather, and from the beginning, defense dominated. In the first half, Tech held Miami to just 16 yards of total offense. On the opposite side of the ball, Miami set bowl game records for fewest rushing yards allowed and fewest first downs allowed. The Hokies got the first big break of the game after blocking Miami's first punt of the game. Taking over at the Miami 21-yard line, it took Virginia Tech just five plays to march into the end zone for an early 7 – 0 lead. Virginia Tech and Miami battled to a stalemate for the rest of the first half, and Tech went into halftime still clinging to a 7 – 0 lead.
