Miami Hurricanes embarrassing in 20-12 loss to Duke

The Miami Hurricanes losses to Virginia and Boston College were explained as a young team in a tough road environment. The loss at home Saturday night to Duke was inexcusable.

The Miami Hurricanes ran for 300 yards and had 411 yards of offense but were once again unable to get into the end zone in a puzzling 20-12 loss to Duke on Saturday night. Travis Homer and Deejay Dallas both ran for over 120 yards in a downpour at Hard Rock Stadium.

The first play of the game foreshadowing the frustrating evening. Duke’s Deon Jackson who had over 400 all-purpose yards in a loss to Pittsburgh last week ran 75 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to give the Blue Devils a 7-0 lead 12 seconds into the game.

Miami didn’t get on the board until the second quarter when Dallas went 83 yards on a rain-soaked field for a touchdown to tie the game at seven. A Homer six-yard run later in the second gave Miami the lead it took into halftime. The Hurricanes botched the snap on the extra point that left Miami up 12-7.

For the third game in a row, Miami went a half without reaching the end zone. It was also the second game in a row that the Hurricanes were shut out in the second half. This came against a Duke defense that allowed 617 yards and 37 second-half points to Pittsburgh last week.

Some might blame the rain, but the inconsistencies of the Miami Hurricanes offense is beyond bad weather. The Hurricanes outgained Duke on Saturday 411-290. It was Miami’s first game over 400 yards of total offense against a Power Five team in nearly a year since last season’s victory over Virginia Tech.

Miami is now 5-7 in their last 12 games. That includes a victory over FCS Savannah State. In their last nine games against power-five opponents the Hurricanes at 2-7.

Duke used innovative play calling to take the lead for good in the third quarter. Quentin Harris connected with Blue Devils tight end Daniel Helm on a two-yard jump pass to give Duke a 17-12 lead. A Collin Wareham 33 yard field goal stretched the Blue Devils lead to 20-12.

Miami appeared to be in position for a chance to tie the game late. Led by N’Kosi Perry and the ground game Miami drove to the Duke 12 late in the game. Lawrence Cager appeared to score a touchdown to bring the Hurricanes within two but was called for pass interference.

Mark Richt started Malik Rosier and quarterback and rotated them throughout the game. The quarterback situation which was a mess before playing Duke is at an all-time low during Richt’s tenure in Miami.

Now the Hurricanes must find a way to play out the season without any of their preseason goals within reach. Miami was still in good position to repeat their ACC Coastal Division title with Virginia’s loss to Pittsburgh Friday night. The Hurricanes loss to Duke all but ended that.

Miami goes back on the road for games at Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech before returning home to finish the season against Pittsburgh. The Panthers host the Hokies next weekend in a game that could decide the outcome of the ACC Coastal.

One year after the Panthers played spoiler to Miami, the Hurricanes might have a chance to do the same to the Panthers. The Hurricanes still need one win in their last three games just to become bowl eligible.