In Miami Gardens, Florida, the No. 11 Miami Hurricanes secured a decisive victory over Wake Forest, winning 42-14 in a game that showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Cam Ward shone throughout the match, passing for 280 yards and throwing two touchdown passes to Jacolby George while also rushing for another score. This performance marked a significant milestone in Ward’s season as he set new Miami records for passing yards and completions, breaking long-held records from 1984 by Bernie Kosar.
The Hurricanes, with a record of 10-1 and 6-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), now have a chance to clinch a berth in the ACC championship game with a win against Syracuse next week. Meanwhile, Wake Forest’s efforts were highlighted by Demond Claiborne, who made a notable 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and contributed 62 rushing yards, though the team ultimately struggled offensively in the latter part of the game.
Despite a fierce start, where Miami initially went ahead 7-0 only to see Wake Forest equalize shortly after, the teams entered the fourth quarter with the score at 20-14. It was then that Miami’s offense exploded, scoring 22 points to firmly secure their victory. Coach Mario Cristobal praised the defensive performance of the Hurricanes, emphasizing their ability to bounce back after a challenging opening series.
This game was not just a statement of Miami’s athletic capabilities but also a reflection on the team’s season journey. The win marked the Hurricanes’ first 10-win season since 2017 and highlighted Cristobal’s successful campaign, making him one of only a few coaches in Miami history to achieve this feat.
Additionally, the Hurricanes paid tribute to their history and heritage by wearing “DB 40” decals on their helmets in remembrance of Don Bosseler, a College Football Hall of Famer and former Miami star, who passed away recently.
In summary, Miami’s blending of strong offensive performance coupled with solid defensive work sets a promising outlook as they move toward potential postseason play, reiterating a resurgence in their football program. Their focus remains on their upcoming challenges as they strive for further success.