The Miami (FL) Hurricanes looked dominant on Thursday night. Both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball looked sharp, as they should have, against FCS foe Bethune-Cookman. Head coach Mario Cristobal’s team is rounding into form as they improve to 3-0 with a 48-7 victory over the Wildcats.
Miami Hurricanes Dominate Bethune-Cookman, 48-7
It was an all-around effort by the Hurricanes on Thursday night, kicking off Week 3 of the college football season. Heavy favorites against their FCS foe, the Hurricanes dispatched Bethune-Cookman easily, behind a 34-point first half led by QB Tyler Van Dyke.
The ‘Canes’ lone hiccups during an impressive first half were a missed extra point that appeared to be blocked and a near-targeting call at the goal line that caused a fumble for a touchback. It would’ve been even uglier had the targeting call been upheld.
Other than that, Miami’s offense flew down the field, and their defenders flew toward the football. Van Dyke was pulled early in the third quarter but still finished with 246 yards and two scores through the air, with another touchdown coming on the ground.
Miami’s offense got started early with a quick nine-play, 64-yard drive to open the scoring. Van Dyke kept a perfectly-diagnosed read-option play in for a 10-yard touchdown and the defense gave the ball right back after allowing just 18 yards to BC on the subsequent drive.
Led by three Van Dyke first-down passes, Ajay Allen scored on an eight-yard touchdown run and the route was on as the Hurricanes led 14-0 with nearly two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Yet, the Miami defense was just getting started.
After allowing 36 yards on the first two combined drives, Miami’s defenders held BC’s offense to -10 yards on their next four drives. Van Dyke’s night was cut short after he impressively led the Miami offense down the field on a surgically-precise two-minute drill to close the half.
Miami’s defense caused a fumble on a beautifully placed hit by linebacker Francisco Mauigoa that jarred the ball loose from BC QB Tylik Bethea.
Van Dyke gave way to Emory Williams to open the third quarter and Ajay Allen capped an impressive 11-play drive with a four-yard touchdown run, his second of the night. The night was soon over for the rest of the starters for Miami.
‘Canes Should Cruise Into October Undefeated
After defeating Texas A&M in Week 2, it appeared more and more possible that Miami would be able to get out of the month of September unscathed. After dispatching BC in true dominant fashion, that feat seems completely plausible now.
The statement win over Texas A&M gave way to a much-needed performance from Miami in a game they should have won, and did so in convincing fashion against Bethune-Cookman.
There often isn’t much to take from a victory over an FCS opponent on home grounds, but this Miami team looks much improved in doing the expected, unlike years past.
They face Temple in Week 4 before their bye week and open ACC play on October 7 against Georgia Tech at home.