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Miami Hurricanes Football: 3 stars from the Virginia Game

Keeping this series going with the top 3 performers from Miami’s 34-14 win at Virginia

By Cameron J. Underwood
Miami v Virginia Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images

Hey hey hey! Another win for the Canes! And with it, bowl eligibility! TURN UP!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly team grades

Game Recap

And now, for your 3 stars from today’s game:

#3 star - Canes Defense

After letting Virginia hang around for a half, the Canes defense stepped it way up in the 2nd stanza. Miami shutout Virginia for the last 30 minutes of the game, forcing 4 turnovers along the way — 5 if you include a drive that ended with a 4th down incompletion.

Miami had 5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss (the season average), and completely took the life out of a bad Virginia team that had designs on an upset early. From DC Manny Diaz to the last man on the bench, every body stepped their game up after halftime, and did a great job overall.

Bravo, gentlemen.

#2 star - RB Gus Edwards

I know that Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby at RB1 and RB2, respectively. But, today, Gus Edwards reminded us why Miami brought him in years ago.

I’ve been calling Gus a speed back, because that’s how he runs, but today he was the perfect combination of power and speed. This was the hopes and dreams of everyone come to life in this game. Edwards finished the day with 11 carries for 68 yards, shouldering most of the rushing load in the 2nd half. He helped Miami run for 222 yards on the day, a number that hasn’t been seen for many weeks.

#1 star - WR Ahmmon Richards

This guy just keeps getting better and better. Today, Richards had 3 catches for 100 yards, including a 77 yard touchdown that really put the game out of reach for Miami.

Richards has the look of the best WR at Miami in a long, long time. And, he’s closing in on Michael Irvin’s records for catches and yards as a freshman.

If that’s not #1 star kind of stuff, I don’t know what is.

Honorable Mention

  • QB Brad Kaaya (14/29, 228 yards, 2TD, 1INT)
  • RB Mark Walton (16 carries, 111 yards, TD, 2 catches, 11 yards)
  • DE Chad Thomas (6 tackles, 2 TFL, Sack)
  • CB Corn Elder (5 tackle, TFL, Sack, forced fumble, fumble recovered)
  • DE Joe Jackson (3 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovered, multiple pressures)
  • S Rayshawn Jenkins (6 tackles, 1.5 TFL, Sack, PBU)

Those are my 3 stars from the Virginia game.

Who are yours? Leave a comment below and keep the conversation going.

Go Canes