Three Stars: Miami vs Duke

The Canes overcame a less-than-desirable defensive effort to get the win.

The Miami Hurricanes outlasted the Duke Blue Devils today at Hard Rock Stadium, 53-31. The Canes overcame a double-digit deficit early in the second half with the help of some turnovers forced by the defense and big plays by the offense. I guess Miami is incapable of playing a “normal” game. (Sigh). They are stressful, but entertaining nonetheless.

Let’s get to the three stars of the game.

1. Cam Ward

Killer Cam was back to his awesome-passing-statistical self today. He finished 25-41 for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns. Not bad. Further, he tied Steve Walsh for the single-season touchdown pass record, with 29. Cam did throw a nearly identical interception to the one he threw at Cal a few weeks ago. Luckily, it didn’t cost his team and he rebounded next time he had the ball. Cam had some sweet sidearm throws, nice slants to Jacolby George and Isaiah Horton, and a couple bombs to George and Xavier Restrepo. When the Blue Devils scored in the third quarter to go up 28-17, I wasn’t nervous. I knew Cam would lead Miami down the field for a touchdown and put the pressure right back on Duke. He is the best player in college football in 2024.

2. Xavier Restrepo

X was in a record-setting mood today. To get there, he had a huge game: 8 catches for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wowza. Restrepo set the Miami Hurricanes record for career receiving yards and tied the record for career receptions. X had a couple drops he usually reels in. He didn’t let those affect him though, and came back with his huge 66-yard touchdown reception. This dude is as reliable as it gets for a college football wide receiver. I love rooting for him and will miss him next year when he’s making guys miss in the NFL.

3. Turnovers

The Canes forced four turnovers today, something they have not been known for this season. The secondary had three interceptions, despite being torched most of the day on throws all over the field. I guess that kind of helps cancel out the bad. The Canes have a lot to figure out on that side of the ball, especially in the defensive backfield. Still, it was nice to see the Miami defense take the ball away and set up their offense with great field position. Thoughts and prayers to Jadais Richard. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

Honorable mention:

Mark Fletcher Jr. / Damien Martinez – Miami’s two-headed running back attack combined for 131 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. It’s almost as if they should’ve gotten the ball more often!

O.J. Frederique Jr. – I was impressed with the freshman in coverage today. He held up well, pulled down his first career interception, and should’ve had another. Great find by Coach Cristobal and his staff.

Who were your three stars of the game? Let us know in the comments below.

GO CANES!