Miami defense leads them to win over Florida State

Miami held an anemic Florida State offense to 248 yards in a 36-14 win on Saturday night Miami improved to 8-0 with the win and eliminated 1-7 Florida State from any chance of qualifying for a bowl game. The Hurricanes finished with under 500 yards for the first time this season with 445.

Miami was dominant on its first drive of the game. The Hurricanes went seven plays, 67 yards in 2:29 to take a 7-0 lead. Mark Fletcher had a one-yard TD run to culminate the drive. After Florida State and Miami traded punts, the Hurricanes went 95 yards in 13 plays over 5:00 to extend the lead to 14-0.

A Damien Martinez 18-yard run put Miami up two touchdowns. Florida State answered with a 12 play 78 yard drive in 7:15 with Caziah Holmes finishing it off with a one-yard TD run. Luke Kromenhoek had a 42-yard run on fourth and one during the first Florida State scoring drive that set up the TD.

Miami added an Andres Borregales field goal to end the first half and two more early in the second half to extend the lead to 23-7 and put the game away. Cam Ward had a TD reception from Elijah Arroyo and Damien Martinez had an 18 TD run, followed by an FSU TD in the final minutes for a 36-14 Miami win.

Miami had its best defensive performance this season when taking the opponent into account. Florida State finished with 248 total yards. Miami previously held FCS Florida A&M to 190 yards and Mid-American Conference Ball State to 115 in victories in September.

Miami was impressive with 40 carries for 230 yards rushing. Damien Martinez had his best game with Miami rushing 15 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns with one reception for 21 yards. Mark Fletcher had 15 carries for 71 yards. Can Ward finished 22-35 for 208 yards.

Ward finished under 300 yards and without a TD pass for the first time this season. Isaiah Horton led Miami with six receptions for 65 yards. Florida State clearly had a game plan to limit takeaway big passes from Miami. The Hurricanes finished with four completions of 15 or more yards.

Miami torched Florida State on the ground with nine runs of 10 or more yards. Florida State closed the scoring with a meaningless 12-play, 75-yard drive. Miami scored four touchdowns and three field goals on its first eight drives with one punt before finally running out the clock on their final possession.

Miami will host Duke and Manny Diaz next Saturday. Duke is hosting SMU and former Miami offensive coordinator under Diaz, Rhett Lashlee on Saturday. Clemson, Miami and SMU are the only teams in the ACC with undefeated conference records. Miami ended a three-game losing streak to FSU.