Miami Hurricanes Football

Miami entered Saturday's game having to play without 13 players, including three starters, because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

For most of the day, it looked like those absences would prove too costly.

D'Eriq King had other ideas.

The Miami quarterback threw for 255 yards and had two total touchdowns, including a 36-yard toss to Mark Pope in the fourth quarter, to give the Hurricanes a 25-24 win over Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Miami scored the game's final two touchdowns after trailing 24-13 late in the third quarter, moving to 7-1 on the season. The Hurricanes' only loss came against then-top-ranked Clemson. 

Notable Stats

Miami

QB D'Eriq King: 24-of-38, 255 yards, 1 TD, 18 carries, 15 yards, 1 TD
RB Cam'Ron Harris: 14 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD
WR Dee Wiggins: 8 receptions, 106 yards

       

Virginia Tech

QB Hendon Hooker: 19-of-29, 202 yards, 1 INT, 21 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD
RB Jalen Holston: 4 carries, 36 yards, 2 TD
WR Tre Turner: 5 receptions, 86 yards

       

Miami's NY6 Bid Stays Alive

.@DeriqKing_ things.

Watch on ESPN: https://t.co/ebP5I1DNE6 pic.twitter.com/dUCtgsD6ub

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) November 14, 2020

Even if the Hurricanes go undefeated the rest of the way, they have almost no chance at reaching the College Football Playoff. They're clearly locked in as the third-best team in the conference, behind a Clemson squad that destroyed them in Miami and a Notre Dame team that defeated the Tigers—albeit without Trevor Lawrence.

A Notre Dame-Clemson rematch looks like an exceedingly strong bet for the ACC Championship Game, assuming Lawrence is able to return for the Tigers' final three games. Without a conference title, Miami won't sniff a playoff berth, even if Manny Diaz's team finishes 9-1.

However, Saturday's victory does put the Hurricanes in position for their first New Year's Six selection since the advent of the CFP. 

The Hurricanes close their season with home games against Georgia Tech and North Carolina. Assuming they can keep up with the Tar Heels' high-octane offense, their biggest test may come on the road at Wake Forest—another team that can rack up the points quickly through the air.

Miami will be favored, likely pretty strongly, in each of those games. Win out, and Diaz and Co. are playing on New Year's.

      

Justin Fuente Era Continues Moving Forward in Mediocrity

This will almost certainly be the third straight season Virginia Tech fails to finish in the Top 25. After a promising first two seasons in Blacksburg, Justin Fuente's Hokies have descended back into the mediocrity that befell the program in the last few years of Frank Beamer's run.

Fuente was supposed to bring innovation and youth to a program that needed a jolt of life. Instead, Virginia Tech is...a very clear middle-of-the-pack program in arguably the worst top-to-bottom Power Five conference. 

It does not appear Fuente is on any type of hot seat; it's lukewarm at best, especially after he was lavished with a contract extension that extends through the 2023 season. Virginia Tech doesn't appear to be in the business of paying out massive contract buyouts.

That said, it'd be more than fair if Hokies alumni and fans started clamoring for a more noticeable improvement heading into 2021.

     

What's Next?

Virginia Tech travels to Pittsburgh. Miami hosts Georgia Tech.

Miami quarterback D'Eriq King completed 31 of 41 passes for 430 yards and five touchdowns and added 15 carries for 105 rushing yards as the No. 11 Hurricanes stymied a valiant upset attempt from the NC State Wolfpack en route to a 44-41 road win at Carter-Finley Stadium on Friday.

A seesaw game ended in Miami's favor after King found Michael Harley for a 54-yard score to give the Hurricanes the lead with 2:43 remaining.    

D'Eriq King has 5 TD’s tonight ♨️

Miami takes the lead late in the 4Q

(via @ACCFootball)pic.twitter.com/f9rCYFmA8T

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 7, 2020

Following Miami's extra point, NC State quarterback Bailey Hockman threw an interception, and the Hurricanes ran out the clock in response.

Harley caught eight passes for 153 yards and two scores from King, who also found the senior for a 20-yard score early in the second quarter.

King's other touchdowns went to tight end Will Mallory for three yards, wide receiver Dee Wiggins for 39 yards and wideout Mark Pope for 17 yards.

The toss to Wiggins helped Miami tie NC State at 14 following a successful extra point:

King. Sling. Six!

And @CanesFootball follows with the trick kick that THEY RECOVER!

📺: https://t.co/M6WP5VKWeJ pic.twitter.com/dhBPK7cKkP

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) November 7, 2020

Miami gained 620 yards of total offense thanks largely to King's efforts.

The redshirt senior, who transferred from Houston in January, earned a unique honor by virtue of his Friday night performance, per ESPN Stats & Info:

D'Eriq King is the only FBS player with 5 Pass TD and 0 Int in a game with multiple schools over the last 25 seasons.

King also did this with Houston against Texas Tech in 2018. pic.twitter.com/M0d878mv9l

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 7, 2020

He also added this milestone, per the Associated Press' Tim Reynolds:

Miami's D'Eriq King is the first Power 5 quarterback since at least 2000 with 430 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, 5 TDs and 0 interceptions in a game.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 7, 2020

Naturally, people were impressed with his work, including ESPN's Ben Baby, ESPN's Chris Fallica and Michael Lev of the Arizona Star:

D'Eriq King is a baller. And I'm a massive fan of his release. So quick.

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) November 7, 2020

Have a night D'Eriq King. Such awareness. Going down ends the game and he did the right thing.

— Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) November 7, 2020

D’Eriq King is a wizard. The long throw from the shadow of his own goal line was exceptional, and the read and execution vs. the blitz for the TD were just perfect.

— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) November 7, 2020

King and the 6-1 Hurricanes, whose only loss was to the undefeated No. 1 Clemson Tigers, will now pay a visit to Virginia Tech on Nov. 14.     

Miami's first ACC game of the year ended with a 47-34 victory over No. 18 Louisville in Cardinal Stadium on Saturday evening.

Big plays buoyed Miami to victory, with the Hurricanes posting a pair of 75-yard touchdowns and a 47-yard score in the second half.

Louisville scored four second-half touchdowns but could not keep pace with the high-flying 'Canes, who were led by quarterback D'Eriq King's 325 passing yards and three touchdowns.

The Hurricanes, who beat UAB 31-14 to open their season, are now 2-0. Louisville, which beat Western Kentucky 35-21 last Saturday, fell to 1-1.

                  

Notable Performances

Miami QB D'Eriq King: 18-of-30, 325 passing yards, 3 TD

Miami RB Cam'Ron Harris: 9 carries, 134 rushing yards, 1 TD

Miami TE Brevin Jordan: 7 catches, 120 receiving yards, 1 TD

Louisville QB Malik Cunningham: 26-of-36, 307 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Louisville RB Javian Hawkins: 27 carries, 164 rushing yards, 1 TD

Louisville WR Tutu Atwell: 8 catches, 114 receiving yards, 2 TD

    

Big Plays Lead to Miami's Road Win

Explosive plays lead to wins, and Miami was no exception in its dominating victory over Louisville.

Such plays also destroy an opponent's momentum.

The Cardinals refused to give up after a first half where they fell down two scores in part because Miami kicker Jose Borregales, who is establishing himself as the Lou Groza Award front-runner, knocked home field goals of 48 and 57 yards to close the scoring before halftime.

Down 20-6, Louisville started the second half with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.

It was an impressive start for the Cardinals, but Miami had other plans, with Cam'Ron Harris taking one to the house from 75 yards to erase the home team's work:

MIAMI TAKES IT THE DISTANCE 💨 pic.twitter.com/qAugUp8qlL

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 20, 2020

To Louisville's credit, the Cardinals bounced back with an 11-play, 74-yard drive capped by a Tutu Atwell six-yard touchdown catch.

However, Miami struck quickly once again. This time, Jaylan Knighton caught a pass from King and went 75 yards for the score.

Jaylan Knighton practicing social distancing pic.twitter.com/UngFO3P4gy

— Brody Logan (@BrodyLogan) September 20, 2020

A breakdown in the Louisville defense certainly helped out, but Miami took advantage.

The Cardinals were left with next to no room for error due to Miami's penchant for back-breaking plays, and they could not keep pace.

A three-and-out after a drive that lost 11 yards led to a Miami field goal, and the Hurricanes held on from there.

Of course, they added one more big play to their resume in the form of a 47-yard touchdown pass from King to Brevin Jordan. That all but sealed the win to keep Miami undefeated.

        

Defensive Breakdowns Doom Louisville

Louisville has the offensive talent to be competitive in the ACC. Of note, the trio of wideout Tutu Atwell, quarterback Malik Cunningham and running back Javian Hawkins should guide Louisville to numerous scoring explosions.

However, the defense is a work in progress, as evidenced Saturday.

Miami gained 485 yards from scrimmage despite possessing the ball for just 21:59. In other words, the 'Canes offense amassed roughly 22 yards per minute.

The Hurricanes committed zero turnovers, and they punted only three times.

Credit to Miami's offense, which played lights-out football and can make a case for being the ACC's second-best team behind Clemson.

But Louisville has to get to work. Numerous analysts recognized the Cardinals' defensive shortcomings, which included wide-open Hurricanes finding nothing but green to the end zone.

After the Harris touchdown run, Chris B. Brown of Smart Football tweeted: "The cornerback follows the motion, and then the defensive end/OLB jumps and the linebacker to that side both jump inside. Very unsound stuff."

Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio brought up memories of Louisville's 45-13 loss to Kentucky last November, in which the Cardinals allowed 517 rushing yards.

Louisville’s Defense reminds me of one I saw in the last game in Lexington last year

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) September 20, 2020

Stewart Mandel of The Athletic and Dominique Yates of the Louisville Courier-Journal also offered their takes.

I don't want to take anything away from Miami, but Louisville has had mind-boggling coverage busts on three of these TDs.

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) September 20, 2020

Louisville’s defense looks a lot like I did in my math classes - confused.

— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) September 20, 2020

The road ahead doesn't get easier for Louisville thanks to its tough schedule, which features three straight road games against No. 25 Pitt, Georgia Tech and No. 7 Notre Dame up next. That doesn't leave much time for the defense to improve.

In other words, the onus might be on the offense for lights-out performances to guide Louisville to victories on their challenging road stretch.

            

What's Next?

Miami hosts archrival Florida State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, while Louisville will visit the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday at noon ET.

Many teams across college football have tried to rip off the Miami Hurricanes' famed turnover chain, but the school keeps coming back with more and more over-the-top versions of its iconic trophy.

On Saturday, the Canes debuted their fourth edition of the necklace given to whichever defender forces a turnover, and it's an absolute beauty.

First look at the U’s new turnover chain ⛓🙌

(via @CanesFootball) pic.twitter.com/BSct5CfRsN

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 20, 2020

The charm—shaped like the state of Florida—weighs 300 grams and features 1,400 sapphire stones on the "U" logo. The rest of the state is made from 1,900 sapphires, while the chain itself weighs two kilograms and checks in at 30 inches long.

Miami spent nearly three months putting the piece of jewelry together, and it certainly paid off.

Al Blades Jr. was the first Hurricanes player to win the chain this season with an interception on Louisville's Malik Cunningham late in the second quarter.

⛓ 2020 TURNOVER CHAIN ⛓ @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/ZMHuvLcIGW

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 20, 2020

After seeing what the chain looks like this year, he'll have plenty of teammates vying for it as well.

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tate Martell is opting out of the 2020 season following a one-game suspension by head coach Manny Diaz, according to Barry Jackson and Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald.

The redshirt junior did not play in the season opener last Saturday against Alabama-Birmingham and wasn't listed on the depth chart earlier this week.

Martell has long shown plenty of promise as a college football star, though he's yet to make a name for himself on the field as an NCAA player. 

The quarterback out of Nevada was ranked the No. 2 player in the state in 2017 as well as the No. 2 overall dual-threat QB in the nation by 247Sports, which named him a four-star recruit. 

Martell originally signed with Ohio State over the likes of Alabama, Texas A&M, Michigan and Auburn but only threw 28 passes in two years on campus with the Buckeyes. After redshirting his freshman year, Martell lost the starting battle to Dwayne Haskins Jr. in 2018.

Following the news that Georgia quarterback Justin Fields was transferring to Ohio State, Martell made the decision to leave for Miami. 

That decision has yet to pay off, and a failed transition to wideout after losing another QB battle didn't help matters. 

Miami is currently using former Houston star D'Eriq King at quarterback and was rewarded with a win in the season opener against UAB. 

King completed 16 of 24 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 130.8. 

Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau has opted out of the 2020 college football season.

Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz confirmed Rousseau's decision to reporters on Thursday. The redshirt sophomore had 15.5 sacks and 54 tackles in 2019, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

"We support him 100 percent in his decision," Hurricanes defensive coordinator Blake Baker said, per Christy Chirinos of Miami's official athletics site. "We'd had some conversations with him in the previous days and knew it was something on his mind. ... At the end of the day, we support him."

Rousseau joins the list of players who have decided to sit out the upcoming year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley was the first, followed by Minnesota receiver wide receiver Rashod Bateman and Penn State defensive end Micah Parsons.

Given what he achieved in his first full season on the field, expectations were high for Rousseau. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked him 11th in his initial big board for the 2021 draft:

"Production usually catches your eye first when putting together an early big board. Then you go back and watch the player to see whether he has the requisite athleticism to make him a good draft prospect.

"Gregory Rousseau's 15.5 sacks last season is the kind of production you love to see, especially when coupled with a 6'7", 253-pound frame that has quickness and length but is still getting stronger."

Rousseau may have already played his last game for Miami, and the obvious question is whether he's the last highly ranked draft prospect who decides to opt out.

Couple quick thoughts on college guys opting out:

1) Rousseau is special. Best player I’ve studied in the upcoming class.

2) More big names are going to announce soon.

3) Some other big names are waiting to see if the season will happen before opting out.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 6, 2020

"I know there's probably some guys that can see more playing time and will probably thrive on that situation," Baker said of Miami's remaining options at defensive end, per Chirinos.

Miami had added Quincy Roche as a graduate transfer from Temple to bolster its D-line. Roche had 26 sacks and 39.5 tackles for loss over three seasons with the Owls. The redshirt senior was already slated to start alongside Rousseau, so now Miami will need to figure out who replaces Rousseau at defensive end. 

Jaelan Phillips might be the likeliest candidate. Phillips sat out 2019 after transferring from UCLA. He collected 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss through his first two years with the Bruins.

Highly touted defensive tackle Leonard Taylor committed to Miami.

He announced his decision Thursday on CBS Sports HQ, selecting the Hurricanes over the Florida Gators.

BREAKING: 5-Star DT Leonard Taylor commits to Miami.@56reasons_ projects as a standout with All-American potential who can develop into a future first-round pick.

He's got 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓!@247Canes | @Andrew_Ivins | @247Sports pic.twitter.com/h4BcCBrpqc

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 6, 2020

Taylor is the No. 3 DT and No. 27 player overall in the 2021 class, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. He's also the sixth-best player in the state of Florida.

The Miami native had 68 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 11 sacks during the 2019 season.

In his scouting report of Taylor, 247Sports' Charles Power drew a parallel to New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams:

"Is a fluid and natural athlete playing along the defensive line. Uses his length to disengage from opposing offensive linemen and wins with a strong first step and quick swim move. Incredibly disruptive as an interior pass rusher. Gets his hands on a lot of footballs whether it's by using his long arms to disrupt passing lanes or blocking kicks. Plays with good pad level and body lean. Finds multiple ways to disrupt the offensive game plan."

Given his size (6'4", 255 lbs), he looks more like an edge-rusher when he penetrates the offensive line to blow up a play in the backfield.

4-star DT Leonard Taylor with the sack and safety. https://t.co/LxwGwDvUsn pic.twitter.com/a9tgg6E0ov

— Luke Stampini (@LukeStampini) August 15, 2019

Palmetto rising junior DT Leonard Taylor with the pressure. Easy to see why he’s already got the big offers. pic.twitter.com/MQRV94842K

— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) May 18, 2019

Taylor competed in the Under Armour All-American camp in Miami in March and was one of the standout performers. His strength and athleticism were immediately apparent during the various drills.

https://twitter.com/BudElliott3/status/1236680490977038337

#ESPNJr300 Top-10 prospect Leonard Taylor was a handful at the Under Armour Miami camp - taking a lot of reps & working on the edge & inside. The #UAALLAMERICA DT displaying good quickness & active hands on this rep. @TheUCReport @56reasons_ @HamiltonESPN @DemetricDWarren pic.twitter.com/Kfofd6Fyzk

— Craig Haubert (@CraigHaubert) March 8, 2020

#ESPNJr300 5-Star Leonard Taylor working off the edge w/ quick, violent hands during 1-on-1’s. The #UAALLAMERICA DL had a strong day at the Miami UA Camp. @TheUCReport @DemetricDWarren @HamiltonESPN @56reasons_ pic.twitter.com/OBAjbvl5mC

— Craig Haubert (@CraigHaubert) March 9, 2020

In order to stay at defensive tackle, he'll need to add some weight. Going back to Power's comparison, Williams is listed as one inch shorter than Taylor and 48 pounds heavier on his NFL.com profile.

That's not a pressing concern, though, since getting on a regular strength-and-conditioning regimen at Miami will allow him to fill out his frame.

The physical tools are otherwise there for Taylor, and he could be unstoppable if he gets even stronger. The Miami Palmetto High School star could play right away for Miami in a situational role, and he has the potential to contend for all of the top defensive honors over the next few years.

His commitment is a massive boost for the Hurricanes' 2021 class. They were 11th in 247Sports' composite team rankings prior to Thursday's news, with James Williams the only other 5-star recruit who has pledged his future to the school.

Highly touted safety James Williams re-committed to Miami on Tuesday.

Huge pick-up for #Miami and Manny Diaz: 5-star safety James Williams, one of the top 10 players in the country and 247's highest-rated player in Florida, commits to the Canes.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) July 22, 2020

Williams is the No. 1 athlete and No. 9 player in the 2021 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. The Opa Locka native is also the best player in the state of Florida.

He originally committed to Miami but reversed his decision last May.

This is life & with life comes decisions🙇🏾‍♂️.... #RespectIt #Blessed🙏🏾 #Ripmom🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/VoGKpFQMNi

— James Williams (@Begreat_20) May 7, 2019

Williams told the Sun Sentinel's Adam Lichtenstein last June that 2020 recruit Justin Hodges, who had committed to Miami, was doing his best to lobby on the Hurricanes' behalf.

"He calls my phone at random times: 'Commit back, man,'" he said. "But I'm just enjoying the process."

Williams' decision looked prescient as the Hurricanes labored to a 6-7 record in 2019, a season that included an embarrassing loss to Florida International and a shutout at the hands of Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl.

Hodges decommitted from Miami as well and signed with UCF.

Patrick Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback in the NFL, coached Williams as a sophomore at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, before the 5-star safety transferred to Western High School. He has since moved back to Heritage.

At 6'5" and 218 pounds, Williams has great size for his position, and Surtain explained to The Athletic's Manny Navarro how his skills go well beyond that:

"I think the thing that separates him is his football IQ. I know he has all the measurables, but his understanding of football at this age is something pretty special and you rarely see it in high school. With all the defense we run, he's the head, he's talking with everybody, putting them in the right position and that's rare for a guy who just turned 16 years old. He's the team leader. I've seen him grow in that aspect."

Former Clemson star Isaiah Simmons represents the best of what Williams could become at the next level.

Coming out of high school, Simmons was a 3-star recruit and the No. 25 safety in the 2016 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. Clemson turned him into a linebacker/safety hybrid who terrorized opposing offenses. Simmons led the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks, and he was second in interceptions.

That's the kind of impact Williams can have for Miami's defense, and don't be surprised if he makes an immediate impact for the Hurricanes in 2021.

Williams told InsideTheU's Andrew Ivins that Miami remained an option despite his having already spurned the school.

The program hired former star Ed Reed as its chief of staff in January, which allowed him to serve a wide range of duties in an official capacity. Even though Williams wasn't born when Reed prowled the Hurricanes secondary, his on-field exploits are legendary to fans young and old.

Williams had also said to Ivins by joining Miami he "could learn from the greatest," referring to Reed.

Bringing the Hall of Famer into the fold appears to be paying dividends for the Canes.

Junior tight end Michael Irvin II is reportedly transferring from the University of Miami.

Per CaneSport.com (h/t Barry Jackson of the South Florida Sun Sentinel), Irvin, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, is expected to leave the school but remains on the active football roster. 

The 22-year-old has had an injury-plagued college career to this point. He's only recorded 11 catches for 111 yards and zero touchdowns since 2017. 

Irvin missed the entire 2018 season because of an MCL injury that required surgery. He did play in all 13 games for the Hurricanes last year and started the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech.

Andrew Ivins of 247Sports noted Irvin wasn't at Miami's first day of spring practice Monday. 

Coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2016, Irvin was a well-regarded prospect. The Florida native was a 3-star player and the No. 33 tight end in his class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. 

Irvin likely would have entered the 2020 season as Miami's No. 3 tight end, behind rising junior Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory.