In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, No. 11 Miami defeated Wake Forest 42-14, showcasing their offensive prowess and solidifying their position in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Quarterback Cam Ward led the team with an impressive performance, throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns, both to Jacolby George. Ward also made headlines by breaking two longstanding Miami records for passing yards and completions in a single season, surpassing records set by the legendary Bernie Kosar over 40 years ago.
Mishael Powell made a significant impact on defense, returning an interception 76 yards for a touchdown, while running back Jordan Lyle contributed with 115 yards and a touchdown of his own. Miami’s strong fourth quarter saw them score 22 points, pulling away decisively after a closely contested game that saw Wake Forest trailing only 20-14 heading into the final quarter.
Wake Forest had moments of brilliance, including a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Demond Claiborne and an efficient first drive that showcased their potential. However, Miami’s defense tightened significantly after the initial exchanges, limiting Wake Forest to just 118 yards in total for the rest of the game, reinforcing Miami coach Mario Cristobal’s emphasis on defensive performance.
With this victory, the Hurricanes not only achieved their 10th win of the season but also positioned themselves for a potential spot in the ACC title game, pending their performance against Syracuse next week. This marked Miami’s first 10-win season since 2017, a significant milestone for the program and coach Cristobal, who has now achieved this feat with two different teams.
In remembrance, the Hurricanes donned decals on their helmets to honor the late Don Bosseler, an All-American fullback and College Football Hall of Famer, who passed away earlier this month.
As Miami looks forward, they maintain control over their destiny, aiming for continued success in the postseason and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoffs. The performance against Wake Forest serves as a reminder of the team’s resilience and capability, fostering hope among fans for what lies ahead.