Phew. The Miami Hurricanes beat the Wake Forest Demon Deacons right this moment at Arduous Rock Stadium on Senior Day, 42-14. The Canes exploded within the fourth quarter after a back-and-forth first half and scoreless third quarter. Miami is one step nearer to securing a spot in Charlotte for the 2024 ACC Championship sport.
Let’s get to the three stars of the sport.
1. Cam Ward
Right now wasn’t Cam’s finest efficiency of the season. He had one other dangerous first half interception attempting to increase a play. After that, he settled down properly and stopped forcing throws. His stat line: 27-38, 280 yards, 3 complete TDs (1 dashing), 1 INT. Whereas the scoring performs had been nice, it was his composure and keen to take what the protection was giving him within the third quarter that impressed me most. Neither staff might get any offensive momentum popping out of halftime. As a substitute of forcing a deep shot or some horrible cross over the center, he checked the ball down and threw the ball away a number of instances when nothing was there. That was big. It helped that Miami’s protection was on fireplace within the second half. Nonetheless, the self-discipline was good to see.
2. Second half protection
Lance Guidry’s unit stepped it up large time after a primary half that seemed all too acquainted to Canes followers this season. To be truthful, Meesh Powell did have a pleasant pick-six within the second quarter after the Demon Deacons made their approach into the pink zone. Nonetheless, the second half protection was on one other degree. Guidry began to convey stress, and his guys received dwelling for sacks a number of instances. Plus, they pressured a fumble on a kickoff that instantly led to a Canes landing. Wake didn’t full A SINGLE PASS after halftime. That’s domination. That’s what we’ve been anticipating to see as a rule in 2024. Miami’s ultimate defensive numbers: 193 complete yards allowed, 2 turnovers pressured, 5 sacks, 4/14 third down conversions allowed.
3. Operating backs
Damien Martinez ran arduous for 63 yards on 16 carries, working over a number of Wake defenders all through the sport. Mark Fletcher Jr. solely had 6 carries, however put up 55 yards and saved Miami forward of the chains when he was within the sport. Freshman Jordan Lyle had a number of rushes early, then completed the sport sturdy because the lead again. He had 115 yards and a landing on solely 7 makes an attempt. Lyle channeled his inner-Damien Martinez when he ran over a Wake defender throughout his 61-yard run within the fourth quarter. I believe Lyle could have earned himself some extra taking part in time towards Syracuse subsequent week.
Honorable point out:
Elijah Arroyo – The athletic tight finish had 6 catches for 79 yards right this moment, doing most of his harm within the first half. It’s so nice to see him wholesome and performing. Arroyo goes to assist an NFL staff subsequent season.
Jacolby George – #3 led the best way in receiving right this moment with 7 receptions for 91 yards. He caught each of Cam’s landing passes.
Who had been your three stars of the sport? Tell us within the feedback under.
GO CANES!