The Miami Hurricanes beat their former Big East rival Virginia Tech today in Blacksburg, 34-17. The game was never in doubt, though the Canes struggled for a time in the second half. If you happened to watch
the ESPN telecast, it was rough for Miami fans. Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick (who I really like) kept talking about style points and margin of victory. It really did seem like they were told to keep that narrative going for the entire game. It was constant. Whatever. On to Pitt.
Let’s get to the three stars of the game.
1. Carson Beck
Miami’s signal caller looked awesome today. He only missed one throw in the second half that could have been picked. That was it. Beck was on fire early, starting the game 10/10 while putting the ball right on the money for his pass catchers. His first touchdown pass to tight end Elijah Lofton was impressive. Beck did have a ton of time to throw, but most of his receivers were covered, so he had to let Lofton get behind the defense in the end zone before letting the ball go. Carson’s final throw of the game was even better, a 20-yard perfect fade to Malachi Toney. Beck’s final numbers: 27-32, 320 yards, 4 touchdowns, zero turnovers. Great game.
2. Malachi Toney
Wow. This kid is special. Today was Toney’s second game in a row with a pass completion, this time for 15 yards. He also ran the ball three times for 16 yards. Malachi is a receiver though, and today he showed why he’s one of the best in America. The superstar freshman finished with 12 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. He was impactful early, racking up over 100 receiving yards in the first half. But man, that touchdown catch late in the game showed how much of a total receiver Toney is. Miami Hurricanes fans are spoiled knowing we have two more years to watch and root for Malachi Toney.
3. Defensive line
I know Va Tech gashed the Canes today in the run game. Still, Miami’s defensive line made a big difference. Ahmad Moten and Justin Scott were monsters inside, applying pressure against both the run and the pass. The two defensive tackles combined for eight total tackles, two sacks, and 4.5 TFL. Not bad. I should also mention Armondo Blount, who plays inside a lot and is showing flashes. On the outside, the law firm of Mesidor and Bain were their usual menacing selves. Bain was quieter, with only one tackle on the day. Still, he was in the backfield regularly, chasing Kyron Drones around. Mesidor had better statistical day: four total tackles, one sack, 1.5 TFL, and one FF. The sack with forced fumble was a big fourth-quarter play that put down any hope for a crazy comeback by the Hokies.
Honorable mention:
Girard Pringle Jr. – Miami’s freshman running back was just okay in the running game, with 49 yards on 14 carries. He did have a beautiful 16-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
Zechariah Poyser – The transfer safety led the team in total tackles today with 10. He also had a sack, pass defended, and a fumble recovery. He needs to keep up this kind of play with Jakobe Thomas going down today.
Keelan Marion – Yet another good game for the speedster receiver: six receptions for 79 yards.
Who were your three stars of the game? Let us know in the comments below.
GO CANES!
