State Champions: Florida Runs through the U
TALLAHASSEE– No. 3 University of Miami travelled up to Tallahassee last night to take on No. 18 Florida State in a very anticipated matchup. One that would’ve been talked about even more had the Seminoles not been upset the week prior by Virignia. Miami won in a thriller, 28-22, a game in which the Hurricanes held the lead roughly the entire game. Things got chaotic in the end as FSU made a last minute push against the Canes, but in the end they did not prevail and the Canes completed the “Florida Gauntlet.”
The Hurricanes, now standing at 5-0, have won their last 3 games versus 3 ranked and formerly ranked Florida teams. Their first coming against a ranked USF, in which they manhandled South Florida 49-12. Their second coming against Dj Lagway and the Gators, who were ranked at one point, 26-7. Finally ending the gauntlet and coming out as “State Champs” versus a solid Seminoles team where the Canes won 28-22.
It is officially Hurricane season in Florida! Florida had to run through the U this year, and Carson Beck and the Canes had very little trouble coming away with these victories. In fact, this is the first year since 2009 that the Canes have had 3 ranked wins at the time of play. If we look at it on a broader view as well, Florida was ranked at the beginning of the season as well.
The key to this victory was defense, defense, oh and some more defense. Entering this game the Seminoles were ranked second nationally rushing on the ground. They averaged a whopping 336.25 yards a game and 20 touchdowns. The Hurricanes rocked their rushing game, and only allowed 132 yards on the ground, and a season low in scoring offensive points in 22.
Carson Beck proved himself worthy of Heisman glory yet again going 20/27 on passes for 241 yards with 4 passing touchdowns! Two of his touchdowns were thrown to true Freshman Malachi Toney who is putting up one hell of a season! He had seven catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns! The offensive line protection for Beck was impeccable. He was only pressured 6 times out of 30 dropbacks on the night.
Not to mention, Rueben Bain Jr. another candidate for Heisman glory had himself an incredible game as well. Bain was a part of 11 out of 31 pressures from Miami’s defense on FSU’s quarterback, Tommy Castellanos. Bain is now creeping up on Texas Tech's David Bailey, who leads pressures at Power 4 schools. Bain is only one pressure behind Bailey who has 31.
Miami is headed off into the bye week standing 5-0 in the ACC along with Georgia Tech. Miami’s continued success in Florida will translate now as they start with ACC play in the coming weeks. Mario Cristobal and the Canes will look to achieve win after win and find themselves in the playoffs led by Rueben Bain Jr., Carson Beck, and the outstanding freshman Malachi Toney.
What’s Next:
Versus: Louisville Cardinals
Date: Friday October 17, 7:00pm EST
Location: Hard Rock Stadium
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
