the RECAP Report: Wake Forest

September 18, 2026

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, in a interview earlier this week, said the Canes “would surely be tested” against Wake Forest. He was correct. Miami (3-0, 2-0 ACC) was tested and survived with a 33-20 conference win.

The game was also described as a “Tale of Two Cities.” Correct again. Miami dominated in the first half, amassing 303 yards of total offense versus only 88 total yards by the Demon Deacons and a 24-7 lead at the break. Wake made some defensive adjustments at halftime and came out in the second half with renewed determination and made it a new game, pushing Miami to the breaking point. Despite mounting injuries and a changing defensive scheme by Wake Forest (2-1, 0-1 ACC), the Canes hung on for the victory.

Miami finished the night with 378 yards of offense to 334 yards for Wake Forest. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 220 yards, going 30/34 and three touchdowns, including a stretch of completing his first 24 passes in the game (an ACC and Miami record.) Malachi Toney led all receivers with 12 receptions for 114 yards and one touchdowns. Mark Fletcher led Miami’s running attack with 85 yards rushing (9.5 YPC) on 16 carries and 1 touchdown. However, he was injured in the second half and was minimally effective in the second half. Miami also lost running back Charmar Brown in the first half for the game with a serious injury.

On defense, Miami gave up 334 total yards to Wake, with 246 yards coming in the second half. The Canes weer led by JJ Dunnigan and Ethan O’Conner, each with 8 tackles in the game. O’Conner also made an interception in the closing minutes to seal the game for Miami. The Canes played 17 players on defense.

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami survived a test and must heal up and prepare for a battle next Saturday at Hard Rock against Western Michigan.

GO CANES!