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Miami Hurricanes Football: 3 stars from the Duke Blue Devils’ game

We ballin’, boiiii

NCAA Football: Duke at Miami
It’s all about Brad.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Yessir!!!! Miami pounded Duke 40-21 and ended the regular season on a 4 game winning streak. Winning is nice. Winning is fun. I like winning.

Here’s your Game Recap

Here’s The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

And now, your 3 stars from the 40-21 win over Duke on Senior Night:

#3 star: DE Joseph Jackson

There were others with more eye-popping stats, but the freshman DE Jackson was all over the place today. He ended the game with 3 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks, and that was only a part of his production. Jackson was routinely seen crashing in from his End position, and putting pressure on Duke QB Daniel Jones.

I know I’ve said this before, but Joseph Jackson should have been a 5-star recruit, and the only reason he wasn’t was that he committed to Miami early as a junior and never wavered on that commitment. We’re seeing now that his play is supporting my statements. Oh, and he’s leading ALL FRESHMEN in CFB with 7.5 sacks on the year. So, that helps too. Bold prediction time:

Book it.

#2 star: TE David Njoku

Miami didn’t look Njoku’s way often on Saturday, but BOY DID IT WORK when they did. The talented Redshirt Sophomore Tight End finished the game with a video-game like line of 2 catches for 134 yards and 2 TDs. So, 100% of his catches went for TDs. That seems decent to me.

Njoku is one of several Canes underclassmen who will debate the merits of leaving early for the NFL or staying at Miami for another season. Games like this, where he was able to show his immense physical talents, are why NFL teams and fans are excited about Njoku’s potential. He’s not a 100% finished product, but he showed PLENTY of skill receiving and blocking today.

#1 star: QB Brad Kaaya

I mean, you knew this was coming, right?

A junior from Los Angeles, Kaaya had a stellar stat line of 22 completions on 35 attemtps (62.9% completions), for 396 yards with 4 TDs and 0 INTs and a 195.6 rating. That, my friends, is DAMN GOOD.

Kaaya deftly and expertly directed the Canes’ offense to 40 points and their 4th consecutive win to end the regular season. He showed the arm strength, accuracy, and operational awareness that has NFL teams considering making him their franchise QB. In what might have been his final game as a Hurricane, Kaaya had a virtuoso performance. What else could you ask for?!

Honorable Mention

Just a couple other guys who deserve some credit:

  • S Jamal Carter (13 tackles)
  • S Rayshawn Jenkins (10 tackles, QB Hurry)
  • LB Shaq Quarterman (10 tackles, PBU, 2 QB hurries)
  • LB Michael Pinckney (7 tackles)
  • CB Corn Elder (6 tackles, PBU)
  • Canes defense overall (near perfect 2H, 4 TFL, 8 PBUs, 5 QB Hurries)
  • WR Stacy Coley (9 catches, 118 yards, TD)
  • RB Mark Walton (13 carries for 60 yards, 4 catches for 46 yards and a TD)
  • All the Seniors. Congrats on your Miami Careers, gentlemen.

Those are my 3 stars from the Duke Game.

Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment below and keep the conversation going.

Go Canes