The Miami Hurricanes steamrolled the NC State Wolfpack today at Hard Rock Stadium, 41-7. The offense looked good, with multiple players putting up big numbers. The defense was dominant, pressuring NC State quarterback
and Miami native CJ Bailey into two interceptions and many more missed throws. Today is what many Canes fans expected the team to look like after the FSU game. Hopefully it’s not too little, too late.
Let’s get to the three stars of the game.
1. Jakobe Thomas
The safety made his presence known immediately, blitzing off the edge and making Bailey uncomfortable. Then came the 55-yard pick-six. It was a perfect read by Thomas. He drifted towards the middle of the field, then darted towards the sideline after reading Bailey’s eyes. I loved how he pointed at Bailey right before crossing the goal line, wanting to run him over for the touchdown. Not to be outdone, Thomas made another great read for his second interception in the first quarter. He baited Bailey again, then dove for the pick in the middle of the field. This dude is awesome. He’s been great to watch all season.
2. Girard Pringle
Miami’s freshman running back had his first 100-yard game of his college career today. Congrats! Pringle started the season fourth on the depth chart. After his performance today, I think he has to be considered the starter moving forward. He is showing more juice than Mark Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, and even the once-explosive Jordan Lyle. Pringle was getting outside when he could and made several tacklers miss. He was also solid in the passing game. His numbers: 17 carries for 116 yards and two receptions for 44 yards. I am excited to see what Pringle can do on the road next week against Virginia Tech.
3. Carson Beck
Miami’s quarterback looked like himself again today. Beck finished 21-27 for 291 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. I liked that he was throwing downfield early in the game. I liked that he was moving around in the pocket. I liked that he was finding his running backs when the receivers were covered. I liked that he went back to Elijah Lofton after he dropped two passes. I liked that he wasn’t forcing the ball to Toney when he was covered. Today’s Carson Beck gives me confidence this Miami offense can be a threat against the top teams in the country. Will it continue? I don’t know, but I have hope.
Honorable mention:
Malachi Toney – Miami’s best wide receiver definitely could have been one of the Three Stars today. The 18-year old star had a great all-around game: five catches, 54 yards, two touchdowns, one rush for three yards, and a 44-yard pass completion to Jojo Trader. Malachi Toney is the man.
Keelan Marion – Miami’s other starting wide receiver had his second nice game in a row. He finished with seven catches for 96 yards.
Akheem Mesidor – The senior defensive end finished with five total tackles, two TFL, and one sack. He played the run great, was held at least once, and just had a motor every play he was on the field.
Who were your three stars of the game? Let us know in the comments below.
GO CANES!
