Miami Hurricanes Football: Three Stars from the Pitt Game

The term ‘Black Friday’ took on another meaning this afternoon for the Miami Hurricanes. Closing out the regular season on the road, Miami was a win away from completing their first undefeated regular season since 2002. Unfortunately, the game did not go the way Miami had hoped it would. Miami suffered their first loss of the season, falling to Pitt 24–14.

Third Star: Ahmmon Richards

The highlight of the day for the offense was an incredible 23-yard touchdown reception, with Richards corralling the pass, navigating the sideline and leaping with the ball over the end zone pylon to give Miami their first score of the afternoon. Richards was one of the few bright spots on offense, finishing the game with 47 receiving yards on three receptions and a touchdown.

Second Star: Jaquan Johnson

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson forced a fumble on the opening drive, and would have gotten the ‘Turnover Chain’ had anyone on the defense been able to jump on the ball. Johnson humbly gave his second opportunity to wear the chain to fellow safety Sheldrick Redwine after Johnson recovered the fumble. Add into the equation his six tackles on the day, and Johnson was a positive factor for Miami today.

First Star: Sheldrick Redwine

Redwine was playing like a man possessed this afternoon. The safety was covering ground to make plays on pass receptions and delivered shot after shot around the line of scrimmage to limit the Panthers ground game. One of those hits dislodged the ball from a Pitt receiver forcing a fumble and a well-earned ‘Turnover Chain’ appearance. Redwine ended the game leading the team with 12 tackles on the day.

Honorable Mention

WR Braxton Berrios scored a touchdown late in the game, but when he was able to make a play on the ball, he made sure to make it count. In his final regular season game, Berrios’ final stat line is four receptions for 61 receiving yards and one touchdown.

A couple of seniors on the defensive side put together a strong effort. DE Trent Harris was credited with half a sack, to extend his team leading total to eight-and-a-half on the season. DE Chad Thomas broke through Pitt blocks to wrap up the ball carrier for six total stops.

With a business-like approach, Miami’s middle linebacker made his presence felt early today. Quarterman stuffed Pitt RB Darrin Hall on a second and short to force a third down. With eight tackles on the day, Quarterman will likely take few positives from his stats based on the result of the game.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!