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Congratulations to the seniors!
The Miami Hurricanes struggled early on with Duke, but closed the game spectacularly in a 40-21 win to close out the 2016 regular season.
The first half was often very frustrating to watch, but UM got it going in the final 30 to finish the season 8-4 and riding a 4 game winning streak.
Brad Kaaya also had a record setting day.
The particulars below.
The Good:
- One of the most underrated LB’s to ever play for the ‘Canes:
Today's honorary captain is @jonbeason.
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) November 26, 2016
Great to have you back, Jon. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/XDDSs7foHe
- Kaaya to David Njoku when it was needed most. Their third Q hook up reminded us that....
— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) November 26, 2016
And in the 4th quarter, we saw it again....
At this point I'm like a broken record -- David Njoku for 6 pic.twitter.com/Gi7ayRqub2
— David Perez (@dperez_23) November 26, 2016
- Kaaya’s accomplishments continue to impress.
Brad Kaaya (@CanesFootball) is the only QB in Miami history to pass for 3,000 yards in each of three seasons
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 26, 2016
Kaaya, having an epic third quarter, now owns UM's career passing yardage record, passing Dorsey.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 26, 2016
Hurricanes History!
— CANEINSIDER (@CANEINSIDER) November 26, 2016
Brad Kaaya is now the all-time career passing yards leader at #TheU! View this #RapidReplay pic.twitter.com/9vraTlCLiw
- We’ve been waiting for the wheel route to Mark Walton all year. Finally got it on UM’s second drive. And it was sensational.
WHAT A CATCH. pic.twitter.com/nHuIfQ2mms
— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) November 26, 2016
- This is also nice. Demetrius Jackson has really made strides this season.
Demetrius Jackson gets into pass coverage to make a play pic.twitter.com/bcv2seJ1jX
— David Perez (@dperez_23) November 26, 2016
- Jamal Carter making plays in his last UM home game....
Jamal Carter with a big 3rd down stop in his last game at hard rock stadium pic.twitter.com/uWdWVdyGxq
— David Perez (@dperez_23) November 26, 2016
- Took a little longer than expected, but we will take the pretty 3Q drive that put this one away.
That drive was sooo nice. Kaaya passes of 33 yards to Coley followed by 38 yards to Berrios. Coley 3-yard pass from Kaaya for TD.
— Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) November 26, 2016
- Just a great second half on both sides of the ball.
The Bad:
- Duke basically smoke and mirrored their way to an opening drive TD. Miami did not look prepared on defense.
- Not a fan either......
The read option... smh
— Phillip Buchanon (@PhillipBuchanon) November 26, 2016
- They always seem to waste one or two... WHY?!!
#Canes call timeout with 9:28 remaining in the third quarter
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) November 26, 2016
- Rayshawn Jenkins, not on senior day, please!!
Duke with the ball in Miami territory after a 15-yard facemask call
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) November 26, 2016
The Ugly:
- You get it..
From calling wrong numbers to saying an end-of-quarter time stoppage was a Miami timeout, ACC refs are in full ACC ref glory today.
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) November 26, 2016
Team Grades:
Offense - The O line continued to make strides today. But I expected this unit as a whole to roll over the Devils the way they did in the second half, through out the game. Kaaya and Stacy Coley were outstanding in the final 2 quarters, as was Njoku. Mark Walton is still a beast. But where was Joe Yearby?
Edwards and Walton getting all the carries today.
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) November 26, 2016
I've seen Yearby on the sideline, but him not playing is.....curious.
B+
Defense - Expected a lot more today from this group. Like the O. they picked it up in the second half, but I was surprised it took so long. The TFL’s and sacks just weren’t where we expect from Coach Diaz’ unit, though Kendrick Norton did have one. Nonetheless, they made it look easy when it counted most.
B+
Special Teams - Michael Badgley was true on a 47 yard FG to open scoring. Justin Vogel had a good day too. Solid overall.
B
Coaching - The team was not exactly sharp to start today. This is a Duke team they should have stomped for 60 minutes. But adjustments were made, and a win is a win.
B+