Hurricanes Tested, Show Heart as Team Pulls Away Late

The eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-7, 2-5) 42-14 on Nov. 23 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Miami quarterback Cam Ward passed for 280 yards, threw for 2 touchdowns and ran for another. Both teams battled in a high noon clash of ACC teams. It was the first game for the Hurricanes after a surprise loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-4, 5-3 ACC), who handed Miami head coach Mario Cristobal's team its first loss of the season. Despite a slow start, the Hurricanes pulled away late.

What Happened in the Game?

The Hurricanes took the opening kickoff and marched down the field to open the scoring. A 13-play, 84-yard drive ended with a 13-yard TD pass from Ward to receiver Jacolby George for a 7-0 lead. Wake Forest QB Hank Bachmeier and the Demon Deacons quickly answered with a 75-yard drive. It was highlighted by a 36-yard TD reception by receiver Micah Mays to tie the score at 7-7.

Miami's Andres Borregales kicked a 40-yard field goal, giving the Hurricanes a 10-7 lead. Bachmeier had a pass intercepted by Miami safety Mishael Powell, who returned it 76 yards for a TD and a 17-7 Hurricanes lead. Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a TD, making it 17-14 Miami. The Hurricanes added a 25-yard Borregales field goal to make the score 20-14 at halftime.

Both teams struggled to gain momentum as the second half opened up. Both teams combined for seven punts in the third quarter and early fourth quarter. After a Wake Forest punt, Ward scored on a QB sneak and the ensuing two-point conversion made it 28-14 Hurricanes. Running back Demond Claiborne rumbled on the kickoff, giving Miami the ball back. Running back Jordan Lyle ran 18 yards for a TD, putting Miami up 35-14. A 15-yard TD pass from Ward to George made the score 41-14 with less than two minutes left in the game.

Player(s) of The Game

Miami Hurricanes Defense: 193 Yards Allowed, 5 Sacks, Defensive TD

At halftime, Miami was in a battle with a close score and an even closer game. In the second half, the defense stepped up to limit Wake Forest to 40 yards total offense. Most importantly, they created turnovers and got the ball back into the hands of the Hurricanes' offense. Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa led the defense with 12 tackles and safety Mishael Powell returned an interception for a TD and had three pass breakups.

What Does the Game Mean?

For the Hurricanes, they regain their momentum. The win moves the team to 6-1 in the ACC and keeps it in the hunt for an ACC Championship berth. After the loss to Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes needed a strong win. While the first half was closer than expected, the defense buckled down and the offense found its footing in the second half. The Hurricanes need a victory in the season finale on Nov. 30 at Syracuse (7-3, 4-3 ACC) to clinch their spot in the conference championship.

For the Demon Deacons, their seventh loss this season was a tough one. After keeping the game close in the first half, turnovers and miscues caught up with Wake Forest in the second half. The loss drops the team out of bowl contention and ensures a second straight losing season for the Demon Deacons. Bachmeier and the Demon Deacons host the Duke Blue Devils (7-3, 3-3 ACC) on Nov. 30.