Cam Ward throws for over 300 yards, 3 TDs in home opener win

Miami, Florida – For the second week in a row, Cam Ward soared leading the Miami Hurricanes over the FAMU Rattlers 56-9 in the home opener at the Hard Rock Stadium. Completing 20 of 26 passes for 304 yards Ward became the only Canes player to start the first two games generating over 300 yards and three touchdowns in each. He also pulled off an eight-yard rushing TD. With 2:34 remaining in the third quarter, Ward was subbed out for Reese Poffenbarger who completed six of seven passes for 20 yards and rushed for 12 yards.  UM led from wire to wire outmatching the HBCU champions. Heading into tonight’s game FAMU won 13 straight games and 22 of 23 contests.

SPECTACULAR PICK 😲

Incredible play by Wesley Bissainthe!

📺 ACCNX x @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/03Gj6TKL8P

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) September 7, 2024

The Hurricanes generated 548 yards of total offense going eight of 12 on third down and seven of eight in the red zone. Xavier Restrepo crossed the centennial mark for the second straight week hauling four catches for 104 yards and a TD. After a lackluster first half, the running game ignited chewing up 224 yards. Damien Martinez recorded 10 carries for 90 yards and a rushing TD. Mark Fletcher Jr., saw some action compiling five carries for 42 yards and a score. Jordan Lyle was also involved getting six carries for 40 yards and a touchdown.

pic.twitter.com/HbDWoyKxru
Canes waste no time getting on the board early. Cam Ward to Elijiah Arroyo for the 17-yard TD. 7-0 Miami. 2 plays totaling 28 yards all done in 33 seconds.#GoCanes

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 7, 2024

The defense shined nabbing three interceptions in addition to five sacks and two forced fumbles. Defensive lineman Tyler Baron led the charge with five tackles including 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. With the win, Miami continues its home opener winning streak. The last home loss was back in 2006 versus Florida State by a score of 13-10. Improving to 2-0 they host Ball State for week 3.

Rattling the Rattlers

Cam continues to spread the ball around hitting Chris Johnson Jr. for his first receiving TD of his career.pic.twitter.com/zhQd5ICvAT#GoCanes

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 7, 2024

FAMU’s first drive ended in an interception by Wesley Bissainthe. Taking advantage the Canes wasted no time getting on the board, swiftly scoring in two plays. Cam Ward connected with Elijah Arroyo for the 17-yard touchdown. The Hurricanes struck again with a 50-yard TD reception to Xavier Restrepo complemented by a two-point conversion for good measure making it 15-0. The wide-open throw was X’s longest catch in his college career. Miami extended its lead further in the second quarter. Ward continued to spread the ball around as Chris Johnson Jr. picked up his first receiving TD of his college career to make it 22-3. Leading 25-6 at halftime, Miami kept on scoring putting up 31 points in the second half.

Tyler Baron got a lot of praise from coach Cristobal. He had a great night versus FAMU.

5 Tackles
3.5 TFL
3 Sacks#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/3QG6yUd0QX

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 8, 2024

By the fourth quarter, the Canes put in their second and third-stringers offering precious playing time to the lower half of the depth chart. Poffenbarger, Lyle, and Johnson were among the beneficiaries. On special teams, Abram Murray replaced Andy Borregales hitting a 38-yard field goal. There were several inactive players. Left tackle Jalen Rivers, left-guard Ryan Rodriguez, defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., and cornerback Damari Brown sat out.

Takeaways

The rushing game was late to the party only recording 45 yards in the first half. However, they finished with 224 yards on the ground in what was a pass-heavy game. The Hurricanes have forced their opponents to pick their poison given how much talent they have on offense headlined by their QB.

Busted coverage by Miami pic.twitter.com/eXGaEvJg0N

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) September 7, 2024

Despite the expected outcome, there’s plenty to clean up. Daniel Richardson found an open Quan Lee late in the first quarter for the 29-yard reception on broken coverage. On the same drive, Miami was penalized for roughing the passer. Fortunately, FAMU was forced to settle for three. Miami was sloppy when it came to penalties committing eight costing them 59 yards including two roughing the passer calls and a personal foul. Don’t get me started on that missed catch from Samuel Brown.

Cam Ward to Sam Brown

Incomplete pic.twitter.com/S3WzqcmIJ5

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) September 8, 2024

The O-line continues to do wonders. In the post-game presser, Ward described his offensive line as a dream come true. Same as last weekend he was only sacked once allowing the QB ample time to find his receivers. Lastly, this was an unsurprising though less efficient win.