The Miami Hurricanes rode a big play offense, Malik Rosier’s toughness and some key stops defensively in a 31-6 victory over Duke Friday night. Mark Richt discussed all three during his weekly appearance on the Joe Rose show on Monday.
Four plays of 25 yards or more fueled the Miami Hurricanes victory over Duke. Rosier stood tall in the pocket all game and the defense contributed their own set of big plays to assist in the victory. Rosier started hot completing his first nine passes. He finished 15-26 for 270 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Rosier got the Miami Hurricanes on the board with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Berrios. That play personified Rosier’s toughness. He stood in the pocket knowing he was going to get hit. He delivered the ball perfectly to Berrios right under the goal post for the touchdown.
The biggest play of the game might have been on Duke’s first drive of the game. The Blue Devils took the opening kickoff and marched 50 yards in 13 plays. Facing fourth and one from the Miami 13 yard line, Duke decided to go for it.
Miami linebacker Michael Pinckney sacked Duke quarterback Daniel Jones for an 11-yard loss. That was one of six sacks on the night for the Miami defense. It also tipped the momentum of the game early. The Hurricanes went 76 yards in five plays to get on the board with the Rosier to Berrios touchdown pass.
Appearing with Rose on Monday, Richt discussed Rosier’s toughness on Friday night.
"“Malik, he did a bunch of really great things…One thing he probably did best was just standing in there. Protection is not always perfect. When people were coming after [him] he stood in there and threw some strikes. I’m really proud of him.”"
Ahmmon Richards shined in his first game this season. Richards caught three passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. He had a pair of big plays.
On the first play on Miami’s second drive, Rosier hit Richards on the right sideline for a 29 yard gain. Richards tiptoed to get both feet in bounds. Early in the fourth quarter, Rosier hit Richards in stride on a crossing pattern. Richards did most of the work on the play taking it 49 yards for a touchdown.
Richt complimented his Sophomore star for how well he played in his first game this season.
"“He played well…We had a couple stop and go routes on him. We hit him on just a simple crossing route (on the touchdown) but [Duke] played man coverage with no safety help. The tight ends were out kind of pushing forward. They created a little pick for Ahmmon, and he was gone.”"
Saturday is the game Miami fans look to more than any other. Miami will travel to Tallahassee to face a reeling Florida State team. The Seminoles were a minute and potential overtime away from being 0-3. As it is, their 0-2 start was the program’s first 1989. Richt discussed the Seminoles with Rose.
"“We’re just excited to play. You work so hard for these kind of moments and we’re looking forward to going there and playing a great team. Nothing’s changed about their defense. They’re unbelievable in that regard. They’re breaking in a young quarterback who’s getting better with every snap. They’ll be ready to go, and we will too.”"
Next: Florida State Greater Pressure Saturday than Miami Hurricanes
Miami enters the game trying to end a seven-game losing streak to Florida State. Some have posed that Miami is under a lot of pressure against Florida State because of the losing streak. The way the season has started the pressure has to be greater on the Seminoles. A loss to drop them to 1-3 could be disastrous for the FSU season.