Miami Wins Thriller Against N.C. State, 37-44

Sept 29, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris (17) scrambles during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 44-37. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

After a strong first-quarter, Miami let the Wolfpack back into the game and narrowly escape Sun Life Stadium with a win.

Miami QB Stephen Morris threw for a school-record 566 yards and 5 touchdowns, including a 62-yard game-winning strike to Sophomore WR Phillip Dorsett with 19 seconds left in the game.

In all, the ‘Canes managed 651 yards of total offense against N.C. State.

To say that the Miami wide receivers produced would be an understatement.  Freshman WR Rashawn Scott tallied 180 yards and 2 touchdowns on just six receptions.  WR Phillip Dorsett caught seven passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns and is now tied for tenth in all-time receiving yards at UM.  This kid is going to be special.  And remember, he’s just a sophomore.

The ‘Canes came out on fire during the first-quarter.  QB Stephen Morris threw for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns.  By the start of the second-quarter, Miami held a 23-7 lead over the Wolfpack.  However, the tables would turn and Miami’s momentum fizzled during the second-quarter.  The ‘Canes would only produce 44 total yards of offense in the second and third quarters before establishing a 10-play 90-yard drive.

Freshman RB Duke Johnson scored on a 4-yard run to put the ‘Canes up 30-21 by the end of the third quarter.

Following a 13-yard touchdown pass to WR Rashawn Scott, the Wolfpack struck back on a 60-yard touchdown pass to Rashard Smith and trailed 37-34.

With 2:03 left in the game, N.C. State tied the game at 37-37 following a 50-yard field goal.

UM K Jake Wieclaw looked like he belonged at Florida State.  Wieclaw missed three field goals on the day, a poor showing from him.

On the bright side, the ‘Canes forced six turnovers, including a key interception by safety A.J. Highsmith on N.C. State’s final play.

Miami is now 4-1 (3-0) and will travel to Soldier Field next Saturday to face an undefeated Notre Dame.