Miami Hurricanes Football: Three Stars from the Virginia Game

Congratulations to the 2017 Miami Hurricanes, who for the first time since 2002, have gone undefeated at home for an entire season. On a day where Miami paid tribute to their outgoing senior class, UM walked away with a 44–28 win over Virginia. With no further delay, here are you three stars from today’s contest.

Number Three: RB Travis Homer

It was tough sledding for Homer and the rest of the running game today. At halftime, Homer accounted for five yards on six carries. However, his fumble recovery of a muffed Cavalier punt earned him a ‘Turnover Chain’ moment, and led to points on the very next play. Homer was finally able to break the big play with a huge 36-yard run in the second half, capping the game off with a 19-yard touchdown run to seal a Miami victory. Homer finished the game with 17 carries, 96 rushing yards, and one touchdown.

Number Two: DT RJ McIntosh

McIntosh continues to be a disruptive force. Whether splitting double teams and forcing a QB hurry, the defensive tackle has been virtually unblockable all season long. How about a big tackle for loss on third-and-two, breaking through the line so fast that he almost took the handoff for UVA. It was clear as day that McIntosh was beating Virginia’s offensive line with a great first step, making a home in the backfield. The defensive tackle finished the game with four tackles and two tackles for loss which ended a couple drives for the Cavaliers.

Number One: S Jaquan Johnson

The Franchise does it again. Apparently those conversations with Ed Reed paid off. Johnson sniffed out a pass on the sideline, sneaking his way underneath the coverage to pick the ball off and return it for a pick six to even the score in the third quarter. Johnson also picked up his first sack of the season. Johnson finished the game with nine tackles, a sack, an interception, and a touchdown. Not too shabby.

Honorable Mentions

Miami’s defensive line came to play. DE Joe Jackson finished the game with a sack (two assisted sacks), senior DE Chad Thomas had half a sack, and Miami's leader in sacks, fellow senior Trent Harris picked up two sacks in his final game at Hard Rock Stadium.

It was another ‘Good, Bad, and Ugly’ performance from QB Malik Rosier. Let’s focus on the positives for today. The fade pass to Richards for the first touchdown. His ability avoid a sack and find Mike Harley for a first down in the second quarter illustrated his poise. Then a magnificent TD strike up the seem to Dayall Harris helped the Hurricanes pull even with the Cavaliers in the second quarter. Rosier helped to put Miami up big with a fourth quarter through the middle of the Cavaliers defense. Rosier’s final stat line was 15 completions on 28 pass attempts, 210 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Rosier’s 38 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown continues to add a much needed feature to Miami’s offense.

It looked bleak for the Hurricanes early in the first quarter. However, like the sun in a blue sky, Ahmmon Richards shone through the clouds. Richards first catch of the day to help move the chain helped extend a drive. The highlight of the day will be his remarkable touchdown catch to put Miami on the scoreboard. Richards ended the day with four catches for 51 receiving yards and the one touchdown.

Senior WR Braxton Berrios received plenty of targets early in the game, yet unable to make a connection with QB Malik Rosier. He finally was able to make his first catch of the game in the second quarter. His 24-yard diving to the ground reception on third down helped to set up a touchdown a play later. Berrios ended the day with three receptions for 38 receiving yards.

Lawrence Cager has become the next Miami receiver this season to make big plays when called upon. His touchdown reception early in the game was Randy Moss-esque.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!