The Miami Hurricanes Defense Steps up in a Brutish Clash

With names like Hurricanes RB Lamar Miller, WR Travis Benjamin, and a daring QB in Jacory Harris at the helm, did anyone expect either offense to be limited to 9 total points on the way to a heroic defensive clash in Tampa Bay?

The Miami Hurricanes gutted one out in a touchdown free, hard-hitting battle at Raymond James Stadium en route to a 6-3 last second victory on a 36 yard field goal by Miami K Jake Wieclaw.

It seemed like every time Miami QB Jacory Harris had a shot at keeping a drive alive, he was sacked. Injuries to key players like OT Seantrel Henderson and inconsistent play by the interior line ensured that Miller and Harris were attacked at the line of scrimmage all day. Still, Harris managed to complete an excellent 27-35 for 259 yards. Each time Harris had an opening he was sacked savagely, leaving a few bumps and bruises his supposed star studded offensive line will have to explain.

Defensively, USF RB Darrell Scott was limited to a 3.8 YPC average and saw a ten yard run as his best. Dual threat QB B.J. Daniels also saw limited success, eventually having to leave the game due to a sprained right shoulder. Still, it did not make a difference, as all USF receivers saw blanketing coverage, and the defensive line was able to slow down whoever ran the ball between the tackles.

The ‘Canes showed that will to win that Coach Al Golden wanted to see. This game was neck and neck, with three and outs galore, and the Hurricanes offense showed their biggest sign of life when it mattered most. Coupled with excellent game management by Golden, the ‘Canes were able to whittle the clock to two seconds before Wieclaw banged one over.

In a turn of events that was opposite to the high flying deep attack that Harris and his offense had shown, the ‘Canes found another way to win against a tough rival opponent. This victory was ugly, boring, and… ugly. But it showed the fans a different dimension to victory that the ‘Canes had not shown before. Winning each and every way is the making of a champion, and this game believe it or not was a step in the right direction.