Miami Hurricanes Name Top Ten Plays of the Year

Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Walton (left) celebrates with Hurricanes running back Crispian Atkins (right) during the second half against Pittsburgh Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 12

9. Kendrick Norton forces a fumble against Pittsburgh, which sets up a touchdown

Norton stripped the Panthers Quadree Henderson of the the football on Pittsburgh’s second play from scrimmage in the second half. Chad Thomas recovered and the Hurricanes scored three plays later on a Kaaya to Coley three yard touchdown pass. The touchdown and Badgley’s extra point extended Miami’s lead to 34-21 and Pittsburgh never got any closer.

Henderson had a 100 yard kickoff return that tied the game at seven in the first quarter.

Norton has been a force for the Hurricanes at Defensive Tackle this season. He teamed with R.J. McIntosh to form a tough inside tandem.

Norton finished the 2016 season with 39 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He is part of a Hurricanes defense that is 21st nationally averaging 2.85 sacks per game and sixth with 8.3 tackles for loss per game.

Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz’ primary emphasis from the beginning of the season was on building a more aggressive defense that pushed up-field. The Hurricanes improved in almost every defensive category from 2015.

With the entire front seven returning in 2017, Miami should continue to be one of the best defenses in the country next season.

Home/Hurricanes All-Time Football Lists