Miami Hurricanes vs. FAMU Rattlers September 3rd 2016

Miami Hurricanes vs. FAMU Rattlers

Hard Rock Stadium, Saturday September 3rd 2016

The Golden era was more mold than gold (we won’t get into that loser), making Mark Richt’s homecoming more of a return of the prodigal son. There’s so much hype around this program, and Richt’s predecessor didn’t exactly leave a high bar to reach (.500 record during his tenure), so anything surpassing that will most likely be seen as a move in the right direction. But, let’s be serious. The Canes play in the weaker Coastal Division of the ACC, and, at the very least, will only be seen to have a successful season if they win their division. It’ll be a complete turnaround from what the previous regime was able to accomplish.

The Canes opened up the Mark Richt era the way Chris Christie jumps in a pool, with a big splash, and every Rattler got wet! The energy at the game was unlike any I’ve witnessed since the OB days! And since I’m bringing up stadiums, the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium, Joe Robbie Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, or whatever you want to call it, is amazing, and the atmosphere in the stands was like that of a big time rivalry game.

But, it wasn’t a big time rivalry game. The Canes took on the Rattlers of FAMU, and the hometown team didn’t play nice. The Hurricanes kicked off to open the game, but they might as well have received. Miami’s Corn Elder picked off the Rattler’s 2nd offensive play! Just like that, everyone had flashbacks of The U they remembered; The U that invented swag. Miami’s third offensive play was a 4-yard complete pass to #36 Marquez Williams that resulted in a TD! The game pretty much went on like this from beginning to end. The Rattler’s 2^nd offensive drive resulted in a blocked punt by #93 Pat Bethel, and recovered by Miami’s #27 Ryan Mayes. The turnover resulted in a Joseph Yearby touchdown; the first of many this season, I’m sure. The Hurricanes would go on to score 28 unanswered points before giving up a field goal to the Rattlers. Those would be the only points scored by FAMU. Their marching band was off the chain though!

The second half was a complete dismantling of FAMU. The Rattlers could barely get passed the 50-yard line! Miami would go on to score 42 more unanswered points, all in the 3^rd quarter, with the last TD coming from my new favorite player, a Gus Edwards 74-yard TD run! All Gus’s stick together.

It was a demonstration of dominance by The U. The game had me wondering if there should be a mercy rule in college football. Three running backs put up over 100 yards, individually, and 9 different players scored. It’s hard to over react to a game you’re supposed to win, but I think it’s safe to say the Miami Hurricanes will break into the AP Top 25 after tonight’s dismantling of FAMU. 60,703 people came to witness the massacre, and their eyes can never un-see all the carnage the Miami Hurricanes put on the FAMU Rattlers. The final score was 70-3. A lot has to happen before we can declare that The U is back, but wouldn’t this be a great beginning?

For complete photo gallery of this game, please click here.