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For the first time since 2009, the Hurricanes defeated the Florida State Seminoles 24–20 in nail-bitting fashion. I’m still riding high from this win and debated giving everyone a star. However, for the sake of consistency, here are your three stars from a big win over Florida State.
#3: Malik Rosier
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It was a big game, yet a familiar performance for QB Malik Rosier. The Hurricanes QB could not find any rhythm in the first half. However, Rosier stood tall in the second half, leading Miami’s offense on long drives that ultimately led to victory. Rosier finished the game attempting 44 passes with 19 completions, 254 passing yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. His 29 yards rushing aided Miami on a day where they just couldn’t get the ground game going. While ’Canes fans would prefer a more consistent performance from their QB, you can’t be mad at the results.
#2: Braxton Berrios
IN BERRIOS WE TRUST! WR Braxton Berrios provided Miami with the spark it needed to take the lead in the second half. His punt return deep into FSU territory set up his 21-yard touchdown reception one play later. Berrios helped extend drives with key blocks, as well as converting third downs with timely receptions. The senior receiver hauled in his second TD late in the 4th quarter to help Miami pull ahead. His final reception to convert a 3rd and 10 play is what ultimately kept Miami in the game late. Berrios’ finshed the game with eight receptions, 90 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
TD #TheU @HNYNUT_BERRIOS vs #FSU #BeatFSU pic.twitter.com/8cWMQPW676
— #TheU INSIDERS (@CANEINSIDER) October 7, 2017
#1: Darrell Langham
WR Darrell Langham was in for one play. He made that play count. The game-winning 23-yard touchdown reception. Automatic legend.
TOUCHDOWN! Malik Rosier finds Darrell Langham for what should be the game-winning score with 6 seconds left! Play was reviewed and upheld pic.twitter.com/lxZM812tFc
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 7, 2017
Honorable Mentions
The defensive line was excellent this afternoon. Whether it was Kendrick Norton, Richard McIntosh, Joe Jackson, or Chad Thomas. Each of those defenders mentioned got in the the face of FSU quarterback James Blackman this evening. How great was it to see Kendrick Norton using Blackman’s leg as a prop in his sack celebration. In fact, you can give props to the entire defensive front-seven, especially given how hard the linebackers had to work today. Miami’s defense finished with four sacks and nine tackles for loss.
KENDRICK NORTON LEG GUITAR pic.twitter.com/O97aw74kSA
— David Wilson (@DBWilson2) October 7, 2017
The defensive secondary made some timely plays in the early portion of the game. Allowing ’Canes fans the around the world to bask in the glory that is the Turnover Chain. We were even were treated to multiple sightings after cornerbacks Dee Delaney and Michael Jackson both secured interceptions.
RB Travis Homer came up clutch late in the game after RB Mark Walton exited the game with a lower-body injury. Homer’s three carries for 29 rushing yards tied him with Rosier to lead Miami in rushing yardage. ’Canes WR Ahmmon Richards also deserves a mention. He battled all day against FSU CB Tarvarus McFadden. Richards made a couple big catches to extend drives, finishing the day with four receptions for 68 receiving yards. However, this block on an FSU defender may be his most significant contribution on the day.
whew, buddy. Ahmmon Richards with a devastating block. #Canes pic.twitter.com/OwJsiHu3Cu
— Stephen Nelson (@Stephen__Nelson) October 7, 2017