In a thrilling match on Saturday, the No. 11 Miami Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) showcased their dominance by defeating Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5) with a resounding 42-14 victory. The game, held in Miami Gardens, was marked by a breakout fourth quarter in which the Hurricanes scored 22 points, decisively pulling away from the Demon Deacons.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward was instrumental in the win, passing for 280 yards and throwing two touchdown passes to Jacolby George, all while breaking two long-standing single-season records previously held by Hurricanes legend Bernie Kosar. Ward’s performance brings his season totals to an impressive 3,774 passing yards and 268 completions, outshining Kosar’s 1984 records.
Wake Forest managed to stay competitive through three quarters, trailing only 20-14 entering the final period. However, Miami’s defense stepped up significantly, with Mishael Powell returning an interception for a thrilling touchdown, while Demond Claiborne made a noteworthy 100-yard kickoff return for the Demon Deacons.
Despite the defeat, Wake Forest’s coach Dave Clawson acknowledged his team’s strong defensive effort, noting that Miami’s offensive talent eventually broke through. Miami’s coaches emphasized that the game’s turning point came from their defense after a shaky start, which is what they expect from a strong Miami team.
In addition to the on-field achievements, Miami reached a significant milestone with this victory, marking their first 10-win season since 2017. This accomplishment makes coach Mario Cristobal the seventh coach in Miami history to reach this mark.
The Hurricanes also paid tribute to Don Bosseler, a former All-American fullback and College Football Hall of Famer, wearing decals in his memory following his passing earlier this month.
Looking ahead, Miami has the opportunity to secure a spot in the ACC title game with a win against Syracuse next week. As the season progresses, the Hurricanes’ combination of a powerful offense and a rejuvenated defense has fans optimistic for the remainder of the season and potential accolades to come.
This victory isn’t just a win; it signifies Miami’s return as a competitive powerhouse in college football, evoking hope for even greater achievements in the near future.