The Miami Hurricanes showcased their resilience on Saturday, securing a 53-31 victory against ACC rival Duke, which was led by former Miami head coach Manny Diaz. This win solidifies Miami’s position as they move closer to the first College Football Playoff rankings.
Initially, the No. 5 Hurricanes (9-0) found themselves trailing the Blue Devils (6-3) 28-17 early in the third quarter. However, Heisman contender Cam Ward and his teammates ramped up their performance, capitalizing on critical turnovers by Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy. The decisive moment came when Xavier Restrepo scored a long touchdown, tying the Miami record for career receptions and surpassing Santana Moss’s record for career receiving yards.
Ward finished the game with an impressive 25 completions on 41 attempts for 400 yards and five touchdowns. Though he did have a fumble and an interception, his prolific passing continued to keep the Hurricanes in control. Restrepo emerged as a standout player, leading the receiving corps with 146 yards on eight catches along with three touchdowns.
On the ground, Damien Martinez contributed 66 yards on 11 carries, while Mark Fletcher Jr. ran for 65 yards and scored a touchdown shortly after attending his father’s funeral.
For Duke, Murphy completed 25 of 41 passes for 325 yards with three touchdowns but struggled with turnovers, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. Running back Peyton Jones added to the Blue Devils’ offense with 132 total yards and two touchdowns.
The game unfolded with Miami responding to Duke’s strong opening, adjusting to reclaim the lead, and eventually overcoming the Blue Devils with relentless offensive pressure and timely defensive plays.
The Hurricanes, now 9-0 and undefeated in the ACC (5-0), are set to face Georgia Tech next Saturday.
As Miami continues to improve, fans can remain hopeful about their potential for a long-awaited playoff run. With standout performances from Ward and Restrepo, the Hurricanes underline their capability as serious contenders this season. The road ahead looks promising, and Miami’s fans have plenty to cheer for as their team aims for continued success.