Miami, Florida – The No. 7 Miami Hurricanes played to expectations, cruising past the Florida A&M Rattlers 77-7 Thursday night to secure their second win. UM’s playmakers picked apart a short-handed FAMU playing on four days’ rest. Heisman candidate Darian Mensah participated in the first half, completing 14 of 15 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Malachi Toney, meanwhile, caught four passes for 96 yards and a TD.
TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE MARK‼️
📺: @accnetwork pic.twitter.com/zFzQUJH53I
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 11, 2026
While The U struck early and often in the air, Mark Fletcher Jr. led the initial ground attack, scoring twice on seven carries for 105 yards. Furthermore, Fletcher is now No. 6 all-time in Miami history for rushing yards (2,458) and No. 5 in rushing TDs (28). With the game firmly in hand late in the third quarter, Javian Mallory remained an intriguing prospect, rushing for a 52-yard touchdown. Mallory tallied 10 carries for 142 yards and two TDs. By halftime, Miami was up 49-0 after scoring on every single drive. The contest was so lopsided that both coaches agreed to shorten the fourth quarter to 10 minutes. With the offense producing 856 yards, the Hurricanes broke a program record (750) for most total yards in a single game.
What goes ☝️ must come 👇
📺: @accnetwork pic.twitter.com/HXFsBHTYk6
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 11, 2026
Additionally, UM also tied the school’s record for the most points in a game and set a new ACC record for first downs (41). UM will travel to Wake Forest for Week 3.
Rattling the Rattlers
The Canes wasted no time, as Fletcher broke free on the third play of Miami’s opening drive for a 46-yard touchdown. UM’s second possession was even faster. Mensah threw a 55-yard touchdown strike to Joshua Moore, extending the Hurricanes’ lead to 14-0. Miami was in total control after four plays. Fletcher struck again on the third drive, rushing for a combined 34 yards before scoring his second TD. The Hurricanes kept on rolling. Mensah connected with Toney on the next series for a huge 52-yard gain, then found him again for the 19-yard TD.
Whoa, what a catch!#GoCanespic.twitter.com/V4yHxnReDe
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 11, 2026
Backup QB Luke Nickel took over for the third quarter, hitting an open Somourian Wingo for the 47-yard touchdown. Nickel continued making the most of his opportunity, pulling off a 33-yard score with Vandrevius Jacobs. He later threw to Vance Spafford, who made an unbelievable touchdown catch despite pass interference, running the score up to 70-0. Nickle finished the night completing all eight passes for 144 yards and three TDs. UM lost the shutout in the fourth quarter when Brennan Burton fumbled. Caleb McKenzie forced the turnover and took it home for the 72-yard defensive TD. The Hurricanes still don’t have a takeaway.
Javion Mallory Breaks Free for the TD pic.twitter.com/CNGqtGyvVf
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) September 11, 2026
Impressions
He took it right out of his hands 😮
The fumble recovery gets FAMU on the board‼️ pic.twitter.com/q6BeYwFupN
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 11, 2026
Miami definitely spread the ball around with 16 different players catching a pass. Moore made his sole reception count while Cooper Barkate hauled in two for 16 yards, including a trip to the end zone. Daylyn Upshaw saw some action in a contest filled with rookies trying to stand out. With Ja’Boree Antoine, OJ Frederique Jr., and now Xavier Lucas hurt, you will see a lot more of JJ Dunnigan. He led with five tackles and meets the preseason hype. UM has given up 0 touchdowns despite no turnovers on defense. Speaking of guys stepping up, I want more of Spafford. The TD catch was impressive, and he looks hungry. Wake Forest presents a greater challenge than FAMU or Stanford. I hope to see more of him.
Javian Mallory is going to be an intriguing player to watch.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/HQgIfvgT3I
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 11, 2026


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