In a commanding performance, No. 11 Miami defeated Wake Forest 42-14 on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, marking an impressive milestone in their season. Quarterback Cam Ward propelled the Hurricanes by passing for 280 yards and connecting for two touchdown throws to Jacolby George. Additionally, Mishael Powell made headlines by returning an interception 76 yards for a touchdown, cementing the team’s late-game dominance.
With this victory, Miami extends its record to 10-1 and 6-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, positioning themselves favorably for a potential spot in the ACC title game with a win against Syracuse next week. Ward had an exceptional day, completing 27 out of 38 passes, and also contributing a rushing touchdown. He set two new single-season records for Miami, surpassing long-held records by legendary quarterback Bernie Kosar, now accumulating 3,774 passing yards and 268 completions this season.
While Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne made a notable impact with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and rushing for 62 yards, the team struggled offensively for much of the game. Starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier completed 8 of 14 passes for 86 yards and one touchdown, but the Wake Forest offense faltered significantly after a strong initial drive.
The game began with Miami scoring easily on their first possession, with Ward’s perfect six-for-six passing leading to a touchdown. Wake Forest quickly responded with a touchdown of their own, but neither team found the end zone again until late in the fourth quarter. Miami’s defensive prowess, coupled with Powell’s impactful interception, allowed the Hurricanes to extend their lead significantly.
The match was not without controversy, as Wake Forest faced criticism when one of their players went down with what appeared to be a cramp, disrupting Miami’s offensive momentum. Nonetheless, Miami capitalized on the situation with additional scoring from Ward and Jordan Lyle, who finished with a game-high 115 yards rushing.
Miami celebrated a momentous occasion, achieving their 10th win for only the 16th time in the school’s illustrious history, the first such achievement since 2017. This season also marks a significant milestone for head coach Mario Cristobal, who joins an elite group of Hurricane coaches to record a 10-win season, previously accomplishing this feat twice during his tenure at Oregon.
As the season progresses, the Hurricanes remain optimistic and focused on their upcoming challenges, aiming for success in the ACC title race and potential playoff aspirations.