The Miami Hurricanes had a dramatic showdown on Saturday against the Duke Blue Devils, eventually winning 53-31 in a game that carried significant implications for their College Football Playoff aspirations. Despite trailing 28-17 early in the third quarter, the No. 5 Hurricanes (9-0) rallied under the leadership of quarterback Cam Ward, who is emerging as a Heisman contender this season.
Duke (6-3), which featured former Miami head coach Manny Diaz, put up a strong fight early on, but Miami capitalized on critical turnovers by Duke’s quarterback Maalik Murphy. Ward’s performance was stellar as he threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns, marking the third time this season he reached that yardage, while receiver Xavier Restrepo made history with a 66-yard touchdown that broke records previously held by legends Santana Moss and Mike Harley.
Miami’s offense featured solid performances from running backs Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr., the latter scoring a touchdown just a day after his father’s funeral, showcasing both his resilience and dedication. Defensively, Miami’s secondary made crucial interceptions that turned the tide of the match, helping them regain momentum and ultimately secure the victory.
The win not only maintains Miami’s perfect record but also solidifies their position ahead of the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings. The team has shown remarkable grit and teamwork, bouncing back from adversity to deliver a strong performance. Next week, the Hurricanes will face Georgia Tech, looking to continue their winning streak as the season progresses.
Overall, this victory reflects the Hurricanes’ resilience and growth as a team. With a talented roster and a supportive fanbase, Miami is looking forward to the challenges ahead, bolstered by their recent successes on the field.