Offensive Onslaught propels Miami over USF 

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Tampa, FL.- A category five Hurricane blew into Tampa last night. 

The University of Miami traveled to the University of South Florida to face off in the ‘Canes’ final game on their non-conference schedule. The energy was high, but tensions were higher. South Florida’s rowdy fanbase made sure to make themselves known early, pulling out every insult and heckle in the book pre game. Over the past few weeks, Miami’s aspirations of greatness have only strengthened, but the Bulls, who are poised for a possible run at the G-5 auto-bid, wanted to change the narrative. 

We all know the saying: actions speak louder than words. As USF’s student section was loud, trust me when I say, Miami’s performance on the field deafened them. 

After a back and forth rotation of three-and-outs to begin the game, Miami got into the end-zone first with a two yard rushing touchdown from Damien Martinez. Following a diving effort across the goal-line, Martinez, alongside multiple ‘Canes’ linemen ran to the student section, throwing up the U and throwing the “horns down” in front of the angry mob of Bulls. 

USF responded with a drive that ended in a 58 yard field goal from Nico Gramatica. After a costly interception by the Miami offense inside their territory, the Bulls were right back in the red-zone. USF drew up a perfectly executed trick play, as WR Sean Atkins hits QB Byrum Brown for a “Philly Special” type score.  

On the following kickoff, USF called a surprise onside kick, recovered by the Bulls, but the football gods blessed the ‘Canes by calling the play back due to an offsides call. 

Miami marched down the field in a drive that ended with a Cam Ward to Isaiah Horton touchdown pass. Horton, a member of Miami’s talented underclassmen WR room, scored his first collegiate touchdown on that play. Zay Horton had a career breakout day against USF, recording 8 receptions, 108 yards and a score.  

The Bulls’ chipped away at Miami’s lead with two consecutive drives that ended in field goals. Unfortunately for USF, this would be their final time gracing the scoreboard. 

The same couldn’t be said for Miami, as Cam Ward hit Sam Brown Jr. for a 76 yard “Broward County Blurrrr Ball”. As soon as Brown got past the line of scrimmage, it was blatantly obvious he was going to blow by the opposing DB. Ward led Brown with his pass hitting him in stride, as the speedy wideout waltzed into the end zone for another Miami score. The ‘Canes’ boldly went for two, as Cam Ward hit Damien Martinez for a leaping conversion. 

Entering the intermission, Miami had a serious problem on their hands. In just two quarters of play, the Hurricanes’ had racked up 8 penalties for 80 lost yards. These penalties were costly, and played a large role in keeping USF in this game. 

Coming out of halftime, Miami turned the burners on. Defensively, the Hurricanes’ front seven was applying more pressure onto Byrum Brown, shortening his time in the pocket and eliminating his rushing abilities.

 In the second half, Star linebacker Francisco “Kiko” Mauigoa recorded multiple hurries, 11 TOT and a sack, alongside EDGE rusher Simeon Barrow, who recorded another 6 TOT and a sack. 

Offensively, Damien Martinez decided to put this game away, recording another two touchdown rushes, both coming off 1 yard attempts. 

The fourth quarter felt far too long, but, Miami kept their foot on the gas. On another long offensive drive, Cam Ward hit Xavier Restrepo for a beautiful jump ball touchdown in the corner of the end zone. 

On the very next possession, USF backup QB Bryce Archie threw the Bulls’ first interception to Mishell Powell, following a booth review. As the call confirmed, Powell and the defense sprinted to the sideline in celebration and danced on USF’s graves. 

Powell’s interception put Miami’s second string offense onto the field with field position that would spark history. True freshman runningback Jordan Lyle (St Thomas Aquinas alumni) lined up in the backfield, received the handoff and weaved in and out between his blockers en route to a 91 yard touchdown rush. Lyle’s 91 yard rush would reset the Miami record books, becoming the longest rush in program history. The previous record was set in 1955 by ‘Canes’ legend Jack Losch at 90 yards. 

The fun still didn’t end there as DB Myles Mooyoung would record the second ‘Canes interception on the night. Following his pick, Mooyoung sprinted to the sideline, jumped into the stands and celebrated with the Miami fans. 

Circling back to the penalties point from earlier, Miami cleaned up their act in the second half, only giving up two penalties for 20 yards, totaling 10 for 100 on the night. 

As the final whistle blew, the Miami faithful sang their praises to this team, stating that “it’s great to be a Miami Hurricane.” 

One of the biggest wins on the night came from the trenches. Miami’s offensive line dominated the USF front seven, only giving up a few backfield trips, and allowing no sacks. It felt like every snap, Cam Ward had all the time in the world to read through his progressions, which led to him methodically picking apart coverages for big plays. 

Miami exits conference play with all the momentum in the world. Their offense has now scored a program record 209 total points in the first four games of the season. The red hot, 4-0 Hurricanes have now advanced to the #7 team in the nation on the Week 5 AP Poll.  

Miami will begin conference play on Friday, September 27 against Virginia Tech. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 P.M EST. 

As the ‘Canes continue their quest for the program’s sixth National Championship, make sure you’re tuning into the Bleacher Brothers’ Sports Network for more University of Miami Football content!