Canes Football Recap: Miami starts early, downs FIU 31-17.

Going for their third straight victory, Miami hosted their in-city rival FIU at Hard Rock Stadium. The Panthers and Hurricanes came into the game at 2-1, and hadn’t faced FIU since 2007.

Miami had first time starters against FIU today, including Amari Carter and Brian Hightower.

FIRST QUARTER

The Hurricanes marched down into FIU territory on their first drive, only to have the drive end with a failed fourth-and-one run by Malik Rosier. Jonathan Garvin got to Panthers quarterback James Morgan on the first FIU offensive play, as the defense live for Miami shut down the rest of the drive.

Hurricanes receiver Jeff Thomas followed by returning a punt 80-yards for a touchdown, though it was called back because of holding on Miami.

After a Miami punt, Gerald Willis III continued his defensive tear by wrapping up FIU running back Shawndarrius Phillips in the backfield.

On Miami’s third offensive drive, head coach Mark Richt sent it quarterback N’Kosi Perry to replace Rosier. Several completions from Perry to tight end Brevin Jordan and a 116-yard carry from Deejay Dallas got the Canes into FIU territory. Travis Homer finished the drive with a 35-yard touchdown run, his first of the season. Miami 7-0.

During that Miami drive, Jeff Thomas left to the locker room due to hydration issues.

FIU’s offense still couldn’t get anything going, as they were held to another three-and-out.

Perry stayed hot on the ensuing Miami drive, including a 34-yard completion to Jordan.

Miami led 7-0 after the first quarter. FIU gained 0 offensive yards in the first 15 minutes.

SECOND QUARTER

On the first play of the second quarter, Perry threaded the needle to Lawrence Cager for a 26-yard touchdown. Miami 14-0.

The following Canes drive was ended on a third-down as Perry fumbled after an FIU sack. Miami safety Sheldrick Redwine intercepted Morgan’s pass on FIU’s drive, his second pick of the season.

Perry showed his rushing skills, gaining 18 yards on a third-and-three. Miami would settle for a 31-yard Bubba Baxa field goal to extend their lead. Miami 17-0.

Perry found Mike Harley again for a 42-yard gain, followed by a defensive penalty on FIU, resulting in another 15 yards. Perry ended the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brevin Jordan. Perry ended the fits half going 12-for-13, 170 yards and two touchdowns. Miami 24-0.

THIRD QUARTER

The Miami defense continued to stifle the FIU offense, as Joe Jackson ended the Panthers second drive with his second sack of the day.

Travis Homer was busy during Miami’s second drive of the third quarter. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark, setting up the Hurricanes in the red zone. Perry found Cager again in the corner of the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown. Miami 31-0.

Perry’s first real mistake of the day came near the end of the quarter. On a third-down, Perry scrambled to this left to avoid the rush, and instead of throwing it away, Perry hauled a deep pass into coverage, which was easily intercepted by FIU cornerback Isaiah Brown.

FOURTH QUARTER

First play of the final quarter was a 37-yard screen pass from Perry to Deejay Dallas. Lorenzo Lingard moved Miami closer into FIU territory with a 17-yard run. The freshman running back gained another 13 yards, before the Hurricanes were stopped on fourth-and-goal.

The Panthers got on the board midway through the fourth quarter, with a 35-yard touchdown pass from James Morgan to CJ Worton. Miami 31-7.

When trying to run the clock out even more, Miami quarterback Cade Weldon fumbled a snap, which was then recovered by FIU at the 11-yard line. The Panthers put up more points on the scoreboard with a 28-yard field goal. Miami 31-10.

After recovering an onside kick, the Panthers put together a 54-yard drive, which ended with a five-yard touchdown pass from Morgan to Worton. 31-17.

N’Kosi Perry ended the game at quarterback, and the Hurricanes won 31-17.

FINAL STATS

• Miami improves to 3-1, with their first conference game this upcoming Thursday, at home against North Carolina.
• N’Kosi Perry went 17-for-25 for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
• Miami rushed for 248 yards, Travis Homer led the Canes with 114 yards.
• Mike Harley led all Miami receivers with seven catches for 76 yards.
• Miami held FIU to 17 yards rushing.

Up Next: Home against North Carolina, Thursday 9/27. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.