Miami Hurricanes grind out FSU on Homecoming Night

Miami, FL – Utilizing Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher, the Miami Hurricanes pounded the ball, knocking off the FSU Seminoles 36-14 to go 8-0 on Homecoming night.  Both running backs had 15 carries with Martinez leading the way, accumulating 148 yards and two touchdowns. Fletcher finished the night racking up 71 yards and a TD. FSU had won the previous three meetings. However, the Hurricanes piled onto FSU’s abysmal season, triumphing in the rivalry battle. Before the matchup, Florida State was the first team since Maryland in 1956 to go from an undefeated regular season to 1-6 the following year. The Noles can no longer play in a bowl game.

Canes get the ball first and strike early. Mark Fletcher gets the honor of the first TD of the game. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/LyOeKllQEp

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 26, 2024

For the first time this season, the ground game surpassed the passing game in total yardage. Although Cam Ward did not record a passing touchdown, completing 22 of 35 passes for 208 yards, he did catch a TD pass from teammate Elijah Arroyo. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and his staff cooked up the trick play, calling it Texas-to-Texas. UM dominated time of possession (35:23-24:37) going eight for 14 on third down conversions, three-for-three on fourth down, and most importantly a perfect five-for-five in the red zone.

What can’t he do!
Cam Ward 🫢🫳#GoCanes 🙌 #He1sman pic.twitter.com/wygt0eAKWV

— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) October 27, 2024

The defense, meanwhile, held the opposition to 248 total yards and two scores in a contest that saw the Canes control the tempo despite struggling to pull away until the fourth quarter.

To start things off, Ward completed big throws to Arroyo and Sam Brown, topped off by some good running from Fletcher resulting in a one-yard TD rush for the first score of the evening. Martinez struck in the second quarter with an 18-yard dash to make it 14-0.

Miami continues the ground attack. Damien Martinez scores on the 18-yard rush. 14-0 Hurricanes.#GoCanespic.twitter.com/pMYrnn1BiF

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 26, 2024

Florida State answered back in the following possession. On fourth and one, near the 50-yard-line, Luke Kromenhoek broke free gaining 42 yards. FSU ultimately scored on a one-yard TD rush by Caziah Holmes.

Up 17-7 early in the third quarter, the Canes took advantage of a turnover on downs hitting a 42-yard field goal. The U clinched it with another field goal followed by two more touchdowns with Martinez capping off the effort via a 12-yard rushing TD.

Takeaways

Higher expectations

It was not the win folks wanted. Throughout the season people asked why the program didn’t run the ball more or lean into it earlier in the game. This is what it looks like when you step away from the air raid. It fulfills three purposes: chewing up the clock, wearing out the opposing defense, and keeping yours fresh. The Hurricanes were always in control but struggled to put the Seminoles away until the final period. The disappointment is that it wasn’t a blowout but a good overall win. As a bonus, UM is now the so-called “State Champion” with wins over Florida, FAMU, South Florida, and Florida State. Kudos to Andy Borregales for putting up nine points and showing off his leg.

Mario on the importance of winning a rivalry game with recruits present. He mentions that it clearly shows the trajectory of the program versus the trajectory of other programs in the state.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/CsaO8OVeHB

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 27, 2024

Canes go run-heavy

I loved that Mark Fletcher scored the matchup’s first touchdown. His father tragically passed away earlier this week and no doubt he played with a lot on his mind. The sheer amount of support from the players, fans, and coaches was truly heartwarming. By night’s end, the rush out produced the air raid 230-215 in total yardage. Damien Martinez played his best game of the season, averaging almost 10 yards per carry. The dynamic duo’s efforts played a big role considering Ward was under pressure for most of the night, getting sacked four times, including back-to-back in the opening quarter. Isaiah Horton led the wide receivers, collecting six catches for 65 yards. Sam Brown tallied four receptions for 39 yards.

4th and 1

Fletcher with the first down run pic.twitter.com/hMoxl2cAOt

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) October 27, 2024

Defense performed better

This was a mix of the defense being good and Florida State’s offense being that bad. At halftime, the unit hadn’t recorded a takeaway or a sack. The Noles were fortunate to score late in the second quarter. Kromenhoek escaped the defenders on a bad snap leading to FSU getting its first rushing touchdown in 17 quarters and the first one in its last 137 carries. However, the second half saw the D pull off three sacks and forced three consecutive turnovers on downs. The highlight for me was Francisco Mauigoa’s air-tight coverage early in the fourth quarter. Sure, the touchdown in garbage time was frustrating but the battle showed there’s more than one way to win.

Love to see this from the secondary considering their struggles the past three games.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/3l01g3Gsqh

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 27, 2024