After a sluggish start on offense, The Miami Hurricanes recovered nicely with a huge second quarter to blow out Bethune Cookman University, 45-0. After the long lightening delay, Miami seemed refocused and their execution sharpened to make for an impressive start to the season.
What Went Right:
The University of Miami defense dominated throughout the entire game. Despite the Hurricanes outranking the Wildcats, the Hurricane defense remained active and hungry throughout the entire game. From starters to backups, all members of the defensive team played as if they were fighting for their lives.
Junior safety Rayshawn Jenkins was back on the field with an impressive interception after being sidelined last season due to a back injury Jenkins suffered in training camp before the season even started.
Junior cornerback Artie Burns made another Hurricane interception bringing the total number of interceptions this game to two. Compared to last season when the Hurricanes only had ten interceptions and tied for 84th in the nation, this is a huge improvement for the team.
Junior Corn Elder played fantastic with a sack, tackle for loss and pass defended in the 1st quarter, followed by the easiest punt return touchdown a fan will ever see in the 2nd quarter. The return was overturned during a controversial flag by the referees on the basis of what Hurricane fans are calling a phantom penalty call. Eventually, Elder was able to exact his revenge later on in the game by returning a clean second punt, finally granting the Hurricanes a well deserved touchdown.
The Hurricane running game looked great versus against the weaker Wildcat defense displaying extreme athleticism breaking tackles and absorbing heavy contact. When Miami faces higher ranked teams in the conference play, these skills will be crucial for a successful season.
What Went Wrong:
The Team:
Nothing. The offense had a sluggish start but recovered quickly. Quarterback Brad Kaaya was performed tremendously when needed. However, Kaaya’s workload greatly decreased as the game progressed and it became apparent that the Hurricanes would take the game.
The injuries this game really had Hurricane fans holding their breath. After sophomore wide receiver Braxton Berrios was left with a knee injury after catching a short pass over the middle and was tackled awkwardly on his knee. There is no word for what exactly was injured, nor for how long Berrios will be out, but the coaching staff expect him back on the field by the Nebraska game which is the third game of the season. For now, he is not practicing.
Junior wide receiver Stacy Coley pulled a hamstring despite previous reports of an ankle injury. It is unclear what exact play Coley was injured on due to the fact that he was in and out of the game until the coaching staff finally pulled him out. He is day to day and practicing, but playing it safe. Coley is expected to play this Friday against Florida Atlantic University.
The Weather:
The monsoon-like thunderstorm was total nightmare for an opening night game. The only way it could have been worse, is if an actual hurricane took place. A constant down pour all game at Sun life Stadium, and even a 75 minute lightening delay.
Moving Forward:
Bottom line, it was a very successful night for the Miami Hurricanes both on offense and defense. The team has some execution errors on offense to clean up, but overall a very solid way to start the season. This Friday when the Canes face off against the Florida Atlantic University Owls in Boca Raton, the competition will be steeper, but by the look of the talent and depth this semester, the Hurricanes appear well equipped to handle the challenge.
Brandon Carusillo is a senior majoring in public relations and minoring in psychology. He’s from Coral Springs and wants to work as an entertainment agent when he graduates. He loves music, sports, writing and photography.
words_brandon carusillo. photos_ nick gangemi & giancarlo falconi.