Miami Hurricanes, Brad Kaaya Get First Win Of The Season; Beat Florida A&M, 41-7
By Juan Toribio
The Miami Hurricanes were able to bounce back from their loss against Louisville by taking care of business against a much weaker Florida A&M team, 41-7. The Hurricanes defense did not allow any points and the offense was led by its rushing attack that contributed for 198 yards. It wasn’t a perfect performance by the Canes, but it landed them their first win of the Brad Kaaya era.
The Hurricanes offense was heavily scrutinized — and rightfully so — for their performance against Louisville earlier this week, but they started off game number two on a much better note than game number one.
Brad Kaaya led the Canes down the field during their first drive and ultimately connected with Phillip Dorsett from four-yards out to gives the Canes the early 7-0 lead. The freshman quarterback went 3-5 for 36 yards during the 6-play 49 yard long drive.
After a couple of three-and-outs from both teams, Kaaya tried to heave it to Herb Waters in the end-zone but the route was undercut and interecpted by Booker T. Washington product, Darren Parker. It could’ve been a little bit better throw from Kaaya, but Waters didn’t exactly help out his quarterback and kind of just seemed to be waiting for the ball to land in his hands. Plays like that must improve.
In the ensuing Florida A&M possession, the Miami defense struck again. Thurston Armbrister connected with a sack on quarterback Damien Fleming while also knocking the ball loose and then recovered by Anthony Chickillo at the FAMU 33-yard line. After a penalty, the Canes ultimately started the drive inside the red zone. That was the second forced fumble of the season by Armbrister and the third forced by the Miami defense. Not too bad.
The very next play, Duke Johnson, who passed Frank Gore for 9th all-time in rushing yards at Miami, ran up the gut for 12 yards, and then punched it in from one yard out the very next play.
After a long 55-yard run by Johnson, the Canes got back into FAMU territory and Gus Edwards ran down the left side and scored from 15-yards out to give the Canes a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.
Later on in the second quarter, Kaaya connected with Phillip Dorsett for the second time in the game, but this time it was on a beautiful throw and catch from 32-yards out at the back of the end zone. SCtop10 material.
It seemed that Miami was going to take a 28-0 lead into the half, but then yet another special teams miscue happened.
Ronald Regula snapped the ball just out of the reach of punter Justin Vogel, and Vogel wasn’t able pounce on top of it before it got to the end zone and the Rattlers recovered the ball in the end zone resulting in a touchdown and FAMU cut the Miami lead, 28-7. It was the first touchdown allowed to a FAMU team since 2009, so that’s not good. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s now two special teams touchdowns given up this season.
The second half started off on the wrong foot for the Miami Hurricanes.
Kaaya threw a pass intended for Clive Walford that was tipped up off Walford’s left hand and it was consequently intercepted by Jacques Bryant. Walford really didn’t put up a good effort on this play and it cost his quarterback his second interception of the day.
Trayone Gray got some game action against FAMU, and in his first college carry, he took it down the left sideline for a 10-yard touchdown to put Miami up 38-7.
After a FAMU turnover on special teams, Miami was able to tack on a 23-yard field goal to ultimately give the Canes a 41-7 win over the Rattlers.
Brad Kaaya went 12-22 for 177 yards with a pair of touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.