Following its 30-7 win over Southern Mississippi on Saturday, the Miami football team moved up to 10th in the ESPN power rankings. Several big upsets on Saturday moved Miami up from 13th last week. Miami used good balance for the second straight week with 268 yards passing and 177 rushing versus Southern Mississippi.
The Miami defense was stout forcing seven Southern Mississippi punts, an interception and recovering to Golden Eagles’ fumbles. Southern Mississippi had 231 yards in total offense. Golden Eagles’ star running back and Miami football legacy Frank Gore Jr. ran seven times for 10 yards and had two receptions for 13.
Miami struggled throughout the first half. The Hurricanes did not get into the end zone until 20 seconds remaining in the first half on a one-yard Henry Parrish run. Miami regained the lead for good 7-3 with the Parrish TD. Miami scored TDs on its first two drives of the second half to extend the lead to 24-7.
Two Jose Borreagales field goals provided the final margin. Miami will have another opportunity to move up on Saturday when they play at Texas A&M. The Aggies fell all the way to 25th in the ESPN power rankings following a home loss to Appalachian State. Miami moved up to 13th in both polls.
"10. Miami Hurricanes (2-0)“The Hurricanes overcame a slow start to beat Southern Miss 30-7 but it was not as polished as coach Mario Cristobal wanted to see. The offensive line struggled early before making some key halftime adjustments to get the running game going. Miami rushed for 173 yards, but only averaged 3.5 yards per carry.Tyler Van Dyke played an efficient game, but the Hurricanes have not been able to push the ball downfield consistently with explosive passing plays. — Andrea AdelsonUp next: at Texas A&M (Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN app)”"
Texas A&M plummeted 18 spots to 24th in the Associated Press top 25 and 16 to 22nd in the USA Today Coaches poll. Miami now has a 53.6 percent chance to defeat Texas A&M according to the ESPN Football Power Index on Saturday after the results this weekend. Miami needs more offensive consistency.
Miami had 126 total yards until the 10 play 86 yard drive to take the lead at the end of the first half. That was the first of three straight TD drives. After a punt Miami had two more drives that culminated in field goals. Miami needs to be more consistent offensively throughout the game.