Miami played their toughest opponent so far this season on Saturday, beating Louisville 52-45 in a wild shootout.
After viewing the game again and the individual contributions, we believe their are enough “Game Balls” to award. However, this effort may necessitate ordering more before our game next Saturday against arch-rival Florida State. Here are our seven deserving Hurricanes.
OT FRANCIS MAUIGOA
The Canes racked up a season-high of 2019 yards on the ground (5.5 YPR) against a very tough Cardinals defensive front seven. Part of that success was due to the return of Jalen Rivers but the constant up front (73 snaps) continued to be RT Francis Mauigoa. He earned a 72.0 run-blocking grade, while allowing only three pressures and no sacks.
WR XAVIER RESTREPO
Let’s not take "X" for granted. Once again, his performance was outstanding, especially at critical moments in the game. Xavier caught seven passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. He graded out at 74.5 by PFF. Four of his receptions went for first downs. Another of his receptions went 63 yards to set up a touchdown. His touchdown catch in the third quarter was a cutch leaping grab at the goal line. Xavier was always there when the Canes needed him most.
DT SIMEON BARROW
Simeon is back to full health and it showed on the field on Saturday. He was instrumental on the inside, causing havoc for the Cardinals’ offensive line. He totaled six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and five quarterback pressures. He earned an overall 80.1 grade, including a 91.7 run defense grade by PFF.
WR SAM BROWN
This may have been Sam’s breakout game, catching three passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 26.7 yards after catch, forcing three missed tackles. Sam graded 81.4 by PFF. He was explosive all day.
DE RUEBEN BAIN
Like Barrow, “Hurricane” Bain is back to full health. On Saturday, Rueben directly affect Louisville’s offense with an astounding 10 quarterback pressures, two tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. He earned an overall 82.8 grade, including a 75.3 pass rushing grade and a 78.1 run defense grade by PFF. Rueben impacted the game down the stretch.
QB CAM WARD
This is becoming habit-forming and we love it. For the seventh game this season Cam Ward controlled the outcome of the game. If we were awarding a “most valuable” award today, it would be an unanimous vote for Cam. He has masterfully piloted seven straight Miami victories. On Saturday, Cam once again threw for more than 300 yards passing (319 yards to be exact), completing 21-of-32 passes and 4 touchdowns without an interception. He also contributed 29 yards on the ground. When scrambling, Cam ran for 50 yards and converting three first downs. When under pressure, Cam completed 5-of-7 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown. He completed two of six deep passes for 90 yards and one touchdown. Cam was graded 83.4 by PFF. He is the undeniable leader of this team.
RB DAMIEN MARTINEZ
On Saturday, this was the Damien we were waiting to have a breakout game. In the fourth quarter he literally carried the team to victory with his power running, including the 30-yard winning touchdown with Cardinals all over his back. For the game, Damien rushed for 89 yards (7.4 YPC) and a touchdown. He collected 74 yards after contact and forced five missed tackles. He earned a PFF overall grade of 88.0, including a 90.3 rushing grade.
BOTTOM LINE:
Miami played their best game against a very tough opponent and remain undefeated and in the running for post season honors.
Congratulations to all our Hurricanes!
GO CANES!
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