Manny Diaz took more ownership of the Miami Hurricanes’ defense Friday night.

It seemed to have an impact.

Miami kept Virginia — which came in averaging more than 30 points per game — out of the end zone, winning 17-9 and getting back in the ACC Coastal mix. The defensive dominance was necessary, because it took N’Kosi Perry and the offense some time to get going, with the fill-in quarterback finishing the scoring with a keeper.

“I had more players to throw to,” Perry said of that scramble. “But I saw the hole and I had to take advantage of it.”

Perry added that “I felt like we stayed together the entire time. And we trusted each other… Everyone was communicating more than normal. Everyone’s intensity was more than normal.”

Perry was 16 of 27 for 182 yards with a touchdown, and Deejay Dallas (photo by Tony Capobianco) had 63 yards on 13 carries, and a touchdown receiving.

Here were some of the tweets that told the story:

DJ Dallas scores the lone (star) touchdown of the game. @CaneMaven pic.twitter.com/cGS2e2jZPO

— Tony Capobianco (@TonyCapobianco) October 12, 2019

This is the best the Hurricanes have looked in a first half since the Florida game.

Bethune doesn't count.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

Handful of Miami played led by KJ Osborn come over to comfort Virginia CB Bryce Hall, who has an air cast on his left leg and is being carted off.

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 12, 2019

ABC … Another Blown Coverage by the #Canes. Sickening.

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 12, 2019

Hurricanes 7, Virginia 3 at the half.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

Jimmy Murphy makes one tackle and everybody loses their minds. @CaneMaven pic.twitter.com/QIVt6Zq5gw

— Tony Capobianco (@TonyCapobianco) October 12, 2019

So close @CaneMaven pic.twitter.com/g10gpVpal5

— Tony Capobianco (@TonyCapobianco) October 12, 2019

Finally the turnover chain pic.twitter.com/SVKB34Q3lq

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

Amari Carter tossed for targeting.

Can't really argue that one.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

Brevin Jordan should be targeted 8-10 times per game

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

Miami now 1 of 7 on third downs tonight. They are now 18 of 65 on third down for the season (27.7%). Canes came in ranked 125th out of 130 FBS teams on third down conversions.

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 12, 2019

Can they clone Rousseau at every position?

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

Hurricanes 10

Cavaliers 9

7:46 left.

Deejay gonna get the ball?

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019

I will reiterate what our guy @vrp2003 said earlier. The Canes DL hellgets held on every play and get no calls. When will it change? #Canes

— Miami Hurricanes on Sports Illustrated (@CaneMaven) October 12, 2019

Greg Rousseau tonight: 7 tackles, 4 solo, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 1 FF

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 12, 2019

Another last play win for Hurricanes.

Best Virginia, 17-9.@5ReasonsSports pic.twitter.com/nLB271qMlO

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) October 12, 2019

For the rest of this, go to our IG page (same handle)… pic.twitter.com/XyJD75j6CL

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) October 12, 2019