The Miami Hurricanes quieted all doubters on Saturday with an opening game thumping of the rival Florida Gators, 41-17 in Gainesville, Florida.
The Canes struck fast with Cam Ward hitting TE Cam McCormick for a 9 yard touchdown in the first Miami possession of the game. Florida answer with a 41 yard field goal to draw the game close at 7-3 to end the first quarter.
The second quarter began with 23 yard field goal by Andres Borregales to stretch the lead to 10-3. After the Gators could muster any offense against the hard hitting Canes defense, Mark Fletcher capped a 58 yard drive with a 10 yard touchdown run to make it 17-3. Florida fought back and closed the gap again behind a 71-yard run by Johnson to make it 17-10. Miami again answered with an 8 play 75 yds drive capped by a Ward to Xavier Restrepo 27 yard touchdown pass to give Miami a commanding 24-10 at halftime.
Miami received the third quarter kickoff and immediately drove the ball 75 yards on 8 plays with Fletcher pounding it in from 1-yard out for a 31-10 lead. When the Canes got the ball again, they drove the ball 86 yards in 9 plays, capped by a 23 yard touchdown pass from Ward to Jacoby George for a 38-10 lead. The rout was on.
Florida attempted a comeback with a 58-yard drive and a 1-yard touchdown by Webb to make it 38-17. Miami quickly shut the door on Florida with a 37 yards- 6 play drive ending with a 26-yard Borregales field goal for a final score of 41-17. It was Florida’s worst opening day loss in their history
Miami’s offense amassed 529 total yards to Florida’s 261 yards. Cam Ward went 26-35 for 385 yards and 3 touchdowns. WR Xavier Restrepo hauled in 7 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. Miami controlled the ball for 34:30 minutes to Florida’s 25:30. The Canes had only one turnover and two penalties in a near perfect game.
Miami now holds a 30-27 winning record against Florida. The Canes (0-0, 1-0) returns home to host Florida A&M at Hard Rock Stadium on September 7th.
Let’s pack “The Rock” to show our support for the beginning of a very special season.
GO CANES!
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