Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo have historic day in win over Duke

Miami, Florida – Fans saw history today as Cam Ward set a new program record for total touchdowns and Xavier Restrepo became the newest all-time wide receiver. The consensus Heisman frontrunner threw for 400 yards and five TDs breaking the University of Miami’s record for total touchdowns in a season with 33. Malik Rosier was the previous record holder with 31 touchdowns in 2017. Restrepo, meanwhile, became the all-time receiving yards leader. Recording 2,573  yards he surpassed Santana Moss who had 2,547. X finished the day with eight catches for 146 yards and three touchdowns.

Cam Ward hits X for the 66-yard TD. 46-31 Hurricanes. With that historic catch, Xavier Restrepo is now the University of Miami's all-time receiving yards leader (2,573) passing Santana Moss who had 2,547 yards.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/sKwxdf6nd3

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

After trailing 28-17 early in the third quarter, Miami went on a 35-3 tear ultimately winning 53-31 to remain unbeaten at 9-0. Going six of 12 on third down and five-for-six in the red zone, the Canes dominated time of possession. On the other side of the ball, the defense recorded four takeaways, three being interceptions, and a sack despite struggling against the pass. Maalik Murphy burned the secondary for 325 yards scoring thrice facing the minimum pressure. UM will travel to Bobby Dodd Stadium next weekend to face Georgia Tech.

The Hurricanes started things off with a 34-yard TD catch by Restrepo off the deflection. Covered by the O-line Ward seemingly passed it to Jacolby George only to get touched by the Duke defender. An attentive X made the heads-up grab giving Miami the 7-0 lead. UM converted on an interception by the defense with a four-yard TD reception to Cam McCormick late in the opening quarter. However, Duke struck back the following possession with three big plays including a tight catch on the edge by Jordan Moore. Peyton Jones scored before the review.

Great way to kick off the scoring. Heisman hopeful Cam Ward connecting with X on the deflection. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/U4WcvayDqV

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

The Blue Devils kept up the momentum, mauling the defense with an exposing 27-yard TD connection to Sahmir Hagans. Duke scored again on fourth and one on Miami’s six-yard line coming out of halftime. Miami rallied, however. Ward showed off his accuracy threading the needle through the opposition hitting Restrepo in the endzone before nailing the two-point conversion himself. In the next series, the defense pulled off a huge interception cashed in via a rushing TD from Elija Lofton. Lastly, Mario Cristobal would KO former Canes coach Manny Diaz with three more scores including Ward’s deep 49-yard touchdown to George and Restrepo’s 66-yard TD.

He is him. #GoCanes || #HE1SMAN pic.twitter.com/mj4Dqt7I1D

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

The case for the He1sman

Just like that, Canes turn on the switch and are back in the game. 2 point conversion was GOOD. 28-25 Duke with 7:16 left in Q3.#GoCanes https://t.co/31HG8rGRLW

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

With no disrespect to the other Heisman candidates, if there was any doubt for Cam Ward to be the front-runner it was erased today. Despite being lukewarm during the first half including a putrid second quarter recording 58 total yards, Ward still ended the day with five TDs. It’s true, Cam threw another interception on frustratingly poor decision making but his performance was against a formidable defense that allowed the second least points in the ACC. I’m amazed how this team can repeatedly mount these comebacks. It wasn’t looking good for a time. After taking a 14-0 lead, three of the next four possessions ended in three and outs. Conversely, Duke scored on three straight drives in that span. A dub is a dub.

X factor

Coach Cristobal on Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/Bjz51RYD9x

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

Congratulations to Xavier Restrepo. He’s a special individual and is one of the best wide receivers the program has ever had. The Miami Hurricanes are blessed to have recruited him, which is one of Manny Diaz’s boys. On top of becoming the all-time receiving yards leader, X ties the UM record for most catches in a career. Additionally, his personality complements his skills. During the post-game presser, he mentioned that today’s game was dedicated to Mark Fletcher Sr, the father of Mark Fletcher Jr who passed away last week. A religious individual, Restrepo says  he owes all his success to god. Not only is Xavier a great athlete and team player, but X is also a guy with class.

Defense is a mixed bag

Yikes. A disastrous drive for Miami. Duke torched them and made the defenders look silly for good measure.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/qmXkVHhYUI

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

I can feel frustration mounting for Lance Guidry. Heading into today’s game, Duke had scored over 28 points once this season at Middle Tennessee. They managed 31 points on Miami. Although the defense did make adjustments shutting down the Blue Devils, this is a growing concern. The secondary frequently found itself outfoxed epitomized by the embarrassing busted coverage halfway through the second quarter resulting in a game-tying TD. In addition, several penalties before the half greatly extended Duke’s drive. Holding, roughing the passer, and then pass interference. Let’s not forget the ill-advised Tyler Baron face mask in the fourth quarter. This can’t happen against high-quality teams. Regardless, I believe coach Mario Cristobal when he says the Hurricanes have yet to play their best game.