From rolling over Louisville to Miami-FSU rivalry week: ‘Let’s rally the troops!’
The Miami Hurricanes had just landed in Miami at about 4 a.m. Sunday after the most exhilarating day in their college careers since, well, the last time they defeated Louisville with electrifying plays after a record-breaking night.
But this had to feel even better. Among the reasons: The No. 12 Canes (up five spots from last week) are 2-0 and 1-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference; The Canes have a spectacular new quarterback running a dynamic new offense; The Canes have a kicking/punting game seemingly as good as any in the country.
And, oh, yes, it’s Florida State week.
“4:17 am, landed back in Miami, and it’s officially #FSUWeek,’’ UM coach Manny Diaz posted on Twitter, accompanied by an emoji of hands throwing up the U.
After rolling over the Louisville Cardinals 47-34 with a new, scintillating spread offense Saturday night on the road, the Canes return to Hard Rock Stadium for another prime-time, nationally televised (ABC) statement game featuring ESPN College GameDay.
The Seminoles (0-1, 0-1) lost their Sept. 12 opener 16-13 to Georgia Tech and will be without coach Mike Norvell, who announced Saturday that he tested positive for the coronavirus.
FSU’s Norvell has COVID-19
Norvell, who is asymptomatic and in isolation, will be replaced for the game by deputy head coach Chris Thomsen.
UM coach Manny Diaz didn’t address Norvell’s situation late Saturday after the Canes’ victory, but he acknowledged that despite being completely proud of his players, the Canes should know from experience that situations can go from one extreme to the other in a hurry.
“What we know is that it’s a new year,’’ Diaz said after the game. “What we’ve told our players: It shows you how quickly things change and things can change quickly in both directions.
“We were a team that no one was talking about two weeks ago, and if we don’t do right, no one will be talking about us two weeks from now. It just goes that fast in college football. All we’ve done is go 1-0 in our conference and we’re 2-0 overall.
“Our players appreciate the difficulty of coming to Louisville and winning, but they know there’s a lot more meat on the bone and to have GameDay be here — Hey, it’s Miami-Florida State. It doesn’t matter what the records are. We always know that’s a huge weekend. Our players understand what’s on the line when Florida State comes to town.”
Jordan dazzles
Canes tight end Brevin Jordan, who dazzled with seven catches for 120 yards and a 47-yard touchdown thrown by equally impressive quarterback D’Eriq King, was ecstatic when the Miami Herald, during a post-game Zoom session, mentioned that College GameDay was returning to Miami next week.
“Yeah?’’ he said after a surprised yelp. “Oh, that’s amazing. The Florida State game is always so fun. Coach Diaz just hinted on it: ‘Fifty years from now, people are going to be asking, Hey, man, what was your record against Florida State?’
“So, like, I’m just so excited. It’s another game day? Are you lying. Are you being for real?’’’
When Jordan was told “For real,’’ he let out another happy yelp. “Let’s rally the troops!’’ Jordan said.
UM offense
The UM offense generated 485 yards and five touchdowns with four field goals by new graduate transfer gem Jose Borregales, who slammed home a school-record-tying 57-yard field goal to accompany field goals of 48, 22 and 40 yards.
The touchdowns were scored by Jordan, tight end Will Mallory, tailback Cam’Ron Harris and freshman running back Jaylan Knighton, who scored the first two of his college career.
Harris finished with 134 rushing yards on nine carries, which included a 75-yard touchdown sprint. Knighton also scored a 75-yard touchdown on a King pass.
King, another graduate transfer in his second start at Miami, had another great day. He completed 18 of 30 passes (60 percent) for 325 yards and three touchdowns, and for the second week in a row did not turn the ball over.
King, known for escaping the pocket with impressive runs, added only nine yards rushing but said all along he wanted to stay calmer in the pocket and not rush to try to escape the defense. His offensive line had another good day, allowing only one sack in the opening quarter.
UM defense
Miami allowed a whopping 516 yards of total offense (307 passing, 209 rushing), the defense came up with big plays when needed, and had some dominating performers. UM tallied 10 tackles for loss, spread among eight players. It had three sacks (one apiece by Zach McCloud, Jared Harrison-Hunte and Bradley Jennings). And it brought out the turnover chain three times (fumble recoveries by Zach McCloud and Amari Carter and an interception by Al Blades Jr.).
Safety Bubba Bolden was ferocious, tallying a game-high 11 tackles, one tackle for loss and forced fumble, and linebacker McCloud added nine tackles, a tackle for loss that drove the Cardinals back 14 yards, a forced fumble and sack.
“To be honest with you, I’m never really satisfied,’’ said UM defensive end Jaelan Phillips. “I thought we played great as a team and had an amazing win on the road against a really good team, so that’s what’s most important.”
This story was originally published September 20, 2020 at 1:53 PM.
