Miami Hurricanes Keep Bowl Losing Streak Alive; Fall to Washington State in Hyundai Sun Bowl

By Shanon Culiner | Dec 26, 2015

In a bowl game that should’ve been dubbed the “Hyundai Snow Bowl,” the Miami Hurricanes fell victim to a Pac 12 school, Washington State, in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, 20-14.

The ‘Canes haven’t won a bowl game since 2006 and have now lost their sixth-straight bowl game. Wazzu hadn’t won a bowl game since 2003.

On the day after Christmas Day (Dec. 26), in temperatures dipping into the 20’s and with a healthy mix of snow and rain, both teams looked hot early on, scoring on their opening drives. Quarterback Brad Kaaya hit Stacy Coley on a 4-yard touchdown pass on 4th down, capping off a 15-play, nearly 7 minute, 69-yard drive to tie the Cougars, 7-7.

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Then, frustration set in. The offensive line looked out-matched, giving Kaaya no time in the pocket. Veteran playmaker, wide receiver Rashawn Scott struggled catching balls. The lack of discipline continued as penalties accumulated (even erasing a 50-yard reverse touchdown run by Stacy Coley) – 9 penalties for 94-yards (on the game). Miami sunk to a 13-point deficit.

Moving into the 4th quarter, the snow began to fall harder than it had all game. Blizzard-like. And ironically, it was the ‘Canes who seemed to prosper in the cold. Yearby lined up in the wildcat formation and handed the ball off to wide receiver Braxton Berrios (on an end-around) who took it to the house for a 60-yard touchdown, giving the ‘Canes life.

Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Fans look on during the second half of the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The offense began to click as Kaaya seemed to find his rhythm and Scott began making plays. The defense played all out, keeping them in the game. Unfortunately, as the clock ticked down, another Stacy Coley (3 yard) touchdown reception was called back due to a penalty. And two plays later, running back Mark Walton fumbled the ball inside the 5-yard line.

But, it wasn’t over just yet. The ‘Canes defense held strong (again), giving the offense a last chance to win it (with about 3 minutes to go).

Nevertheless, with the game on the line, offensive coordinator James Coley decided to dig deep into his bag of tricks and call quite possibly the dumbest play of the entire game. With a stud at quarterback (Kaaya; who had found his groove), the ‘Canes elected to run a trick play, which amounted to an interception by running back Joe Yearby. That’s right, Yearby took the toss from Kaaya and threw a last-minute interception.

The ‘Canes threw away a game that they should’ve and could’ve won.

Kaaya finished the game with 219 yards, 17 for 31 (completions), a touchdown and an interception (that wasn’t his fault). Yearby hit the 1,000-yard mark on the year, but had only 63 yards on the day. Scott overcame adversity and led all Miami receivers in yards with 75-yards.

So, that’s it folks. The Miami Hurricanes 2015 football season is all over. Their record will go down in the books as 8-5.

My hats off to interim head coach Larry Scott for an admirable showing, having his team continue to fight game after game after the firing of Al Golden.

Now, we look towards the future as the ‘Canes officially begin their Mark Richt era.

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At this point, all we can do is ponder about the new Miami football coaching staff, new recruits and whether or not players like Coley and Corn Elder will finish out their remaining year of eligibility at Miami.

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