GAME BALLS: Stanford

September 5, 2026 -

Miami (1-0, 1-0 ACC) opened the 2026 season by taking care of business, 45-6, over the Stanford Cardinal (1-1, 0-1 ACC) in Palo Alto, CA on Friday night.

As has been our custom, CaneReports awards game balls after a victory. It was a challenge this week due to the dominate manner the Canes took care of business. So, let’s get to it!

OFFENSIVE LINE:

Beyond the obvious, we award game balls to our new and relatively inexperienced offensive line. While still rough, they kept Darian Mensah clean all night along the way to 400+ yards passing. That’s a terrific start. Congratulations to Matthew McCoy, Samson Okunlola, Ryan Rodriguez, Max Buchanan, Seuseu Alofaituli, Jackson Cantwell, Ben Congdon and company.

Coordinators Shannon Dawson and Corey Hetherman:

Miami offensive and defensive coordinators were prepared.

Both Dawson and Hetherman made quick adjustments to Stanford’s game strategies.

When the Cardinal made the commitment to stop Miami’s rushing attack, Dawson shifted to a pass heavy attack. Mensah and company turned it into a rout, generating 549 total yards of offense.

On defense, Hetherman knew he had to minimize Stanford’s running attack, limiting it to only 78 yards on the night. Stanford’s offense generated only 299 yards of total offense and no points in the second half.

DE Marquise Lightfoot:

Marquise led Miami’s stout defense with nine tackles. He was constantly disruptive against the run. Marquise earned a PFF run defense grade of 78.6 run defense grade and a 80.5 tackling grade.

RB Charmar Brown:

On a night when Stanford committed to stopping Miami’s running attack, Charmar bobbed, weaved and powered his way in clutch situations. In eight carries, he gained 37 yards, including a five yard touchdown in the red zone. He earned a PFF grade of 75.1, with a solid 4.13 yards per carry after contact and forced four missed tackles. In pass protection, Charmar also earned a 72.9 PFF grade.

WRs Daylyn Upshaw and Joshua Moore:

Daylyn and Josh made their presence felt all night.

Josh caught three clutch passes for 37 yards and first down with each. Josh’s performance earned a PFF grade of 72.9.

Daylyn caught three passes including a 14-yard touchdown on an end zone fade route. All three of his receptions resulted in a first down or touchdown. PFF graded his performance at 71.5.

WR Malachi Toney:

An obvious choice for a game ball. Mali had a record setting performance with 12 receptions for a school record 233 yards and three touchdowns. He generated 100 yards after the catch. Mali’s performance earned him a 92.2 PFF grade. oh yes, he struck mean Heisman pose.

QB Darian Mensah:

In his Miami debut, Darian passed for an amazing 401 yards and five touchdowns, going 27-30 (90%). His performance earned a PFF grade of 92.6. Move over Mali!

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami took care of business on Friday night while giving 13 true freshmen.their first college game experience. Now, the Canes must get ready for short week of preparation for Florida A&M at Hard Rock next Thursday night.

Congratulations to all of our Canes on an excellentvictory to start the 2026 season.

GO CANES!