The Canes came into the ACC Championship game with a lot on the line. A win and they would make the CFP, a loss to SMU and a very real chance that the ACC would be left out of the College Football Playoff. This game would not start well for the Canes as after 4 plays they were punting the ball to SMU. "That was not the start we wanting on the offensive side of the ball," said Coach Dealer, "we really wanted to come out and put some points on the board with that first drive." The Defense got the message though, as before the game the Miami Hurricanes were shown the video of Ed Reed in the Boston College game. D'Yoni Hill would step up huge as he would intercept the first pass for SMU and take it back 37 yards for the touchdown and a 7-0 lead. SMU would move the ball well on their next possession but would be held to only a 27 yard field goal to cut the lead 7-3. Miami would get a huge offensive play from Cam Ward on their next possession. Facing a 3rd and 7, Ward looked to be sacked, but he was able to break free from the tackle and run 13 yards for a first down. "That shifted a lot of momentum," said Dealer. Miami would then explode for 21 points in the second quarter. The first touchdown coming on a 4th down play where Ward found Elijah Arroyo for a 2 yard reception. Damien Martinez would score on a 9 yard run on the next Miami possession after another field goal from SMU. Miami would then get their last score right before half on an 8 yard pass from Ward to Arroyo. Miami would lead at the half 28-6. "That second quarter play really helped us put the clamps down on SMU. I told the team we needed to come out with the same energy in the second half though to make sure we came home with the ACC Championship.
SMU would score on their opening possesion to cut the lead to 28-12. The Canes offense would answer right back though, six plays later Martinez was scoring his second touchdown, this time from 3 yards out. The Canes would end up getting the win with a final score of 38-25.
Miami will now head to the College Football Playoff, but will have to wait to see where they are ranked and who they will be playing.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA -- The SMU Mustangs backed their way into the ACC Championship and followed that up by proving they didn't belong.
After a defensive stop, SMU QB Preston Stone would have a quick pass jumped and Miami would jump ahead 7-0.
As was always the plan, SMU would turn to QB Kevin Jennings on the second drive and SMU would march down and get on the board to cut the lead to 7-3.
On the following drive however, the Mustangs would get Miami in 3rd and long and swarm over Miami QB Cam Ward...or so they thought. Ward would avoid his second sack of the first quarter and scramble for a first down. That play in particular delated the Mustangs entire team.
Miami would march down and extend the lead 14-3 a few plays later and never look back.
The Hurricanes led 28-6 before SMU would reach the end zone for the first time in the game.
SMU outscored Miami 19-10 in the second half the make the score board appear a little closer but this matchup demonstrated teams on two different levels.
SMU will look to re-group in their bowl game before heading into the offseason that is sure to see a lot of change in Dallas.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
, CeeGee, Jokers78 and 12 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
HOME
Live
Discord