The Canes came into this game against Duke knowing they were up against a very good offensive team and that they would need some big plays to slow them down. The defense came out strong as they were able to shut the Blue Devils down on their opening possession and would force them to punt. The Miami offense did not come out ready to play though and they would give it right back after a quick 3 and out. The Blue Devils would get their offense rolling this time as they would drive down the field and score on a 7 yard pass for an early 7-0 lead. The Blue Devil defense would come out strong again, this time forcing Miami into a second straight 3 and out. Miami got the big play they were needing from their defense though. Francisco Mauigoa would intercept a pass to get the ball back to the Canes offense. This time Miami would get things going as they would drive down the short field and score on a 10 yard pass from Cam Ward to Xavier Restrepo to tie the game at 7-7. Duke would again put together a very nice drive and have the ball down to the Miami 2 yard line. But three straight runs would be stuffed and the defense would get another huge stop. "Those 3 stops down by the goal line were absolutely huge," said Coach Dealer, "you could feel the momentum swing a little there and we just needed our offense to go out and do something." The Canes offense would come out and go on a 12 play 98 yard drive that would end with another TD connection from Ward to Restrepo right before the half and a 14-7 lead. "That was a great drive by our boys," said Dealer, "scoring a TD with only a few seconds left was also huge to keep Duke from being able to do anything."
The third quarter would get off to a very nice start for the Canes offense. On 3rd and 7 from their own 28 yard line, Ward would find Ray Ray Joseph for a 72 yard TD pass and a 21-7 lead early in the 3rd quarter. The defense was still pumped up from their goalline stop before the half and would get another big interception off a couple deflections and the Canes offense would be right back on the field. The offense would keep it going this time capping off a 7 play drive with a Damien Martinez 3 yard TD run and a 28-7 lead they would hold going into the 4th quarter. The Blue Devils would get their passing game going in the 4th quarter and tack on a couple TD's where the Canes would get another TD and a FG to take home a 38-21 victory. "I'm feeling good about these games we've played recently," said Dealer, "I just hope we can keep it up and keep going like we are."
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Canes faced Duke, known for their potent offense. Miami’s defense rose to the challenge early, shutting down Duke’s first drive and forcing a punt. However, the Canes’ offense faltered initially, going three-and-out. Duke capitalized with a 7-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead.
Miami’s defense came up big again, with Francisco Mauigoa intercepting a pass to give the Canes a short field. Cam Ward then connected with Xavier Restrepo for a 10-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. Duke threatened again but was denied a touchdown on the Miami 2-yard line, a critical goal-line stand that shifted momentum.
Miami responded with a 12-play, 98-yard drive ending in a second touchdown pass from Ward to Restrepo, taking a 14-7 lead into halftime. In the third quarter, Ward’s 72-yard touchdown pass to Ray Ray Joseph extended the lead to 21-7. Damien Martinez’s 3-yard run pushed the advantage to 28-7 heading into the fourth quarter.
Duke mounted a late comeback with two touchdowns, but Miami secured a 38-21 victory with a final touchdown and field goal. Coach Dealer was optimistic about the team’s recent form, hoping they can maintain this level of play.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
13 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
HOME
Discord