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Miami Hurricanes Struggled Early In Win Against Florida Atlantic, 44-20

By Shanon Culiner

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After a dominating performance against Bethune-Cookman at home, the Miami Hurricanes didn’t have to travel far to take on their next opponent, heading about an hour drive north to play Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, FL (after a short week).

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Though many thought FAU would be an easy, push-over game, the Owls held strong in Miami’s victory, 44-20 .

On their first offensive drive of the game, quarterback Brad Kaaya and offense looked sharp. Kaaya went 4 for 5 passing, including an 11-yard trick pass-play to Malcolm Lewis. And, Kaaya’s completions would’ve been perfect if it wasn’t for a dropped pass by Herb Waters. Nevertheless, after a five-minute drive (that resulted in 12 plays for 75 yards), the true freshman, Mark Walton, punched the ball in for a 4-yard touchdown.

Though Miami’s defense remained strong, holding the Owls to a field goal on the next possession, they did let running back, Jay Warren bust-open for a 46-yard run.

Then, deja-vu. Like the Bethune-Cookman game, lightning in the area caused another weather delay (about an hour long).

But, unlike the previous weather delay (against BCU), Miami didn’t immediately come out as dominant.

With FAU quarterback, Jaquez Johnson out with an ankle injury and a new freshman quarterback in, Jason Driskel (ex-Florida QB, Jeff Driskel’s younger brother), the Owls chipped away at the scoreboard, keeping it tight with the ‘Canes. In fact, early on, Miami’s defense looked confused and rocky. It also didn’t help that starting linebacker, Darrion Owens left the game with an injury.

Early in the 3rd quarter, the Owls had even tied the ballgame, 20-20. FAU’s offense remained well-balanced with Driskel at the helm, utilizing the run, pass and option.

However, turnovers and talent became too overwhelming for FAU to overcome.

Miami’s offense remained a force with Walton and Yearby in the backfield, and the defense finally started to click, creating pressure on Driskel, while the ‘Canes secondary came up with some big turnovers.

Both Artie Burns and Rayshawn Jenkins had clutch interceptions in the second-half and safety, Jamal Carter turned the “hit-stick” on Warren (second quarter), causing a needed fumble and sadly, injuring him for the rest of the game.

Yearby had an overall huge game, finishing with 149-yards rushing, 97-yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. Walton proving he has a knack for the end-zone, finished the game with 3 touchdowns.

Kaaya threw for 287 yards, 1 touchdown, averaging 9-yards a reception, and most importantly, no turnovers.

The tough part of the Hurricanes’ schedule now begins! They will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at home on Saturday, September 19. Let’s hope to see some bigger plays and a tighter defense than what was witnessed against the Owls.

Summary: 

Overall, the offense seemed decent, with another amazing performance by the offensive line, keeping Kaaya safe and blocking-out holes for the young running backs. Walton looks better than advertised. Yearby, well, is a straight-up stud. But, I did feel like Al Golden and James Coley were holding back, saving big plays for their on-coming difficult stretch in the schedule. And, some of the play-calls were questionable, like a hurry-up in the red-zone on 3rd and 1 with plenty of time on the clock? Why?

Sep 11,2015;Boca Raton, FL, USA; University of Miami Hurricane quarterback Brad Kaaya rolls out during the fourth quarter of the team

Defensively, in the first half … leading into the middle of the third quarter, Miami reminded me of old (not the “glory days” old, but the recent old), looking stagnant and soft. There were missed tackles in the open-field, poor decision making, holes in the rush defense that could fit “semis” and bland coverage in the secondary. Yet, they seemed to pin their ears back and play aggressive when it counted most.

Am I worried about the big games to come? Definitely! I don’t believe the Miami Hurricanes should ever be in a dogfight with teams like Florida Atlantic. But, I’ll cut them some slack. It was Miami’s first game on the road, missing some of their top receivers and I’m sure this was the biggest game on FAU’s schedule. And, Miami remained poised, continuing to eat FAU away, even though a lesser team was giving them fits.

Next: Miami Dominates Bethune-Cookman, 45-0

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