Miami Hurricanes Win 38-10 behind Walton and Running Game
Behind Mark Walton’s 155 yards rushing and four touchdowns and 121 yards rushing, 21 receiving and one touchdown from Joseph Yearby the Miami Hurricanes dominated Florida Atlantic 38-10 to go to 2-0 on the season. The defense turned in another stout performance and the special teams blocked a punt for the second straight week.
The Hurricanes have thrown back the clock to before Miami became the U by using the old formula of running the ball and stopping the run to get the win. The Hurricanes have run for 642 yards in the first two games. Walton and Yearby both went over 100 yards for the second straight week.
Miami was able to overcome a slow start for Brad Kaaya. The defense held FAU to 85 total yards in the first half. The Owls finished with 214 yards for the game. Will (or weakside) linebacker Michael Pinckney led the way defensively. He finished with six tackles, three assists, and 1.5 sacks. Overall the Canes defensive registered seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
New defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has had a huge impact through the first two weeks. The Hurricanes have had a very favorable schedule early facing FCS Florida A&M who won one game last season and the Owls who only won three in 2015.
Through the first two weeks, the ‘Canes rank fourth nationally in total defense, allowing an average of 205 yards per game. Last year’s defense allowed almost double at 404.8 yards per game.
The difference in last season’s game in Boca Raton was turnovers. The Canes allowed 389 yards but forced five turnovers. This Owls only had one turnover this year but had just over half the amount of yards.
Mark Richt had been transparent about his handling of the offense and allowing Diaz and his defensive coaches to take care of the defense. Richt praised the defense’s effort against FAU. He said:
"“I thought our defense played spectacular, very obvious how great they played… They would not let it get interesting at all, with the way they played. Hats off to Coach Diaz and the rest of the defensive staff, and the players…just a beautiful job.”"
Brad Kaaya struggled mightily in the first quarter. He was one of seven for 46 yards and an interception in the opening stanza. He rebounded nicely to finish 17-31 for 191 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Kaaya didn’t have to do much in the opener. He finished 12-18 with four touchdown passes, but only 135 yards. Richt is going to have to figure out a way to get the passing game going, or the better defenses they will play against Appalachian State and in the ACC will stack the box against the running game.
Kaaya didn’t have to do much in the opener. He finished 12-18 with four touchdown passes but threw for only 135 yards. Richt is going to have to figure out a way to get the passing game going, or the better defenses they will play against Appalachian State and in the ACC will stack the box against the running game.
Richt acknowledged the offense’s struggles postgame. “Offensively, not pretty by any stretch. We were off in our timing throwing and catching a little bit. We had some opportunities but just couldn’t cash in on them. We have to get better there,”
Next: Miami Hurricanes Injury Report vs. FAU
The ‘Canes travel to Boone, NC next weekend to face the Mountaineers of Appalachian State. That is followed by a week off before traveling to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech in the ACC opener October 1.