The Miami Hurricanes waltzed into Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee tonight and won a closer game than it should have been, 28-22. Because of tonight’s performance, I have so many options to choose
from. Please forgive me if you disagree. Just let us know what you think in the comments. It’s a celebration! (in Dave Chapelle’s imitation of Rick James’ voice). I know the fourth quarter was rough, but come on. State champs!
Let’s get to the three stars of the game.
1. Toney and Daniels
What a performance by Miami’s top receiving duo tonight. Daniels: 5 receptions, 78 yards, 2 touchdowns. Toney: 7 receptions, 107 yards, 2 touchdowns. Wow. Daniels shook the corner hard on his first touchdown catch. Both of Toney’s end zone trips were awesome plays, and he could have had more! He barely missed a long pass from Beck early in the game, and his awesome catch-and-run touchdown in the second quarter was called back on a dumb penalty. I love both of these guys. CJ was good no matter what, but he is truly showing off his skills in his last college season. I would be surprised if he’s not on an NFL roster next season. As far as Toney, sheesh, I haven’t been this excited for a freshman Canes receiver in a long, long time.
2. Carson Beck
Let’s get the bad out of the way. The fourth quarter was awful, but that was the play calling. I don’t put that on Beck. Miami’s experienced signal caller had a great game tonight: 20-27, 240 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 turnovers. Yes! That is exactly what this year’s Canes team needs from its leader on offense. Beck missed a couple throws tonight (that fourth down lob in the fourth quarter to Toney), but I’m nitpicking. He was awesome. He had complete control of the Miami offense. He didn’t let the raucous Doak crowd affect him. He made clutch throws to Daniels, Toney, and beyond. He was not scared of the big moment. He’s a professional college quarterback in 2025; one of the few. I trust this guy to take Miami’s offense where it has the potential to go.
3. The defense
Hear me out. I am going to point out specific guys below. I think the defensive unit as a whole should be recognized for tonight. I know the score looked worse for Miami than it should have, but that was because the offense put the emergency brake on in the fourth quarter and made Corey Hetherman’s unit stay on the field far longer than they should have. No matter. FSU’s crazy run game was held in check. Castellanos made some plays with his feet, but the explosive runs by Sawchuk, Kromah, and Danzy were basically non-existent. None of Castellanos’ bombs downfield were completed. It was a great overall performance. Hetherman coached ‘em up tonight!
Honorable mention:
Jakobe Thomas – I love this dude! What a great pickup by Coach Cristobal. Thomas was everywhere tonight: 5 solo tackles, a sack, and an interception.
Ahkeem Mesidor – #3 was the most active defensive lineman tonight for the Canes. He finished with 5 solo tackles and a sack. Not to mention all the other times he was harassing Castellanos in Seminoles’ backfield.
Keionte Scott – The versatile defensive back led Miami in total tackles tonight with 11 (5 solo and 6 assisted). I’m not surprised. Scott was everywhere tonight. Another absolutely incredible and necessary transfer pickup.
Who were your three stars of the game? Let us know in the comments below.
GO CANES!
