Miami Breaks the Bye Week ‘Blues’ in Heart-Pounding Fashion

D’Eriq King looked as sharp as ever on Friday night, throwing for 430 yards and 5 touchdowns with 105 rushing yards to boot. Given how Miami’s game with NC State developed, the ‘Canes needed every single yard and throw from King. The Clemson game may have hurt his Heisman chances, but King has done everything necessary in weeks following to renter the conversation.

Despite a handful of drops earlier in the game, Miami’s receivers were largely improved compared to weeks prior. They continually created separation from NC State’s defensive backs and made crucial snags down the wire, including Mike Harley’s game-sealing catch, a slant that went 54-yards to the house with 2:43 left.

Miami’s defense raised many red flags out of the gate, allowing 24 points in the first half. Armed with D’Eriq King and Rhett Lashlee’s scheme, however, a shootout didn’t seem impossible for Miami to win. Following a kickoff return-touchdown for NC State in the late-third quarter, the pressure quickly amassed for Miami’s defense to finally get a stop. They did just that, holding NC State’s offense to just a field goal in the fourth quarter.

With the defense holding, D’Eriq King and the Miami offense went back to work, showing great cohesiveness and chemistry down the stretch.

While NC State isn’t a ‘signature-win’ team, breaking the bye-week ‘blues’ is monumental, especially due to the way Miami did it. There shouldn’t be any doubt in mind when asked if the ‘Canes have actually improved. Lashlee’s scheme, King, and Jose Borregales’ all made massive contributions down the line, all newcomers to Miami’s program.