MIAMI powers past Florida, 26-7

The Miami Hurricanes powered past in-state rival Florida Gators, 26-7, at a sold-out Hard Rock Stadium.

No. 4 Miami won using a stifling defense and a strong ground game. The Canes finished with 344 total offense yards and 21 first downs while holding Florida to only 141 total offensive yards. The Canes controlled time of possession (36:01 to 23:59).

The Canes jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first quarter behind CharMar Brown’s 2-yard run. Miami extended their lead in the second quarter with two field goals (53-yd & 28 yds) from Carter Davis for a 13-0 halftime lead.

The Canes’ offense went cold in the third quarter but kicked into high gear in the fourth quarter to take control of the game with their power running attack. Led by a combo of Mark Fletcher (116 yards on 24 carries (4.8 YPC), one touchdown and CharMar Brown (80 yards on 18 carries (4.4 YPC) and two touchdowns, Florida could not sustain an effective offense.

Canes’ starting quarterback Carson Beck went 17/30 passes for 160 passing yards with 1 interception. Miami’s rushing attack was led by Fletcher with 116 yards (4.8 YPC), one touchdown and Brown with 80 yards (4.4 YPC) and two touchdowns. Beck spread his passes around with CharMar Brown, Elija Lofton, Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels each hauling in four passes.

Florida attempted a comeback in the second half but Miami's defense thwarted the Gators' every attempt. The Canes’ defense was led by MLB Mo Toure with 10 tackles (5 solo) 1 TFL and 1 SACK, followed by LB Wesley Bissainthe with 8 tackles (3 solo), Rueben Bain with 7 tackles (4 solo) 0.5sacks and 1 TFL, DT David Blay with 6 tackles and 0.5 TFL. and Jakobe Thomas with 5 tackles, (2 solo), 1 sacks and 1.5 TFL.

Miami offense got back on track in the fourth quarter and added 13 points to the scoreboard to pull away.

BOTTOM LINE:

Florida fought hard but were no match for Miami’s power and swarming defense.

Miami (4-0) next travels to Tallahassee to take on rival Florida State (3-0) on Saturday, October 4th at Doak Campbell Stadium. Kickoff and coverage is still to be determined.

Life is good!

GO CANES!