Miami had its most dominant defensive performance versus Wake Forest
After allowing seven points and 132 yards on the first two drives of the game Miami held Wake Forest to 46 yards on their last eight drives. The turning point was a 76-yard Mishael Powell interception return for a touchdown on the second Wake Forest drive of the game.
Wake Forest was in position to take the lead after Miami took a 10-7 lead on their second drive. Miami and Wake Forest combined for 269 yards on their first two drives. Both offenses were stagnant following the Powell interception return for a TD until Miami scored 22 points in the final eight minutes.
The Powell interception return came with 7:50 left in the second quarter and ended a 17-play, 57-yard drive that took 9:02. It appeared to balance the momentum towards Miami. Demond Claiborne returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a TD to bring Wake Forest back within three points.
Wake Forest started three second-half drives inside the Miami 45-yard line but was never a serious threat to score a TD. Wake Forest began their second third-quarter drive at the Miami 33-yard line after recovering a fumble. The Demon Deacons lost 10 yards on seven plays and had to punt.
Over those last eight drives, Wake Forest had the 46 yards on 23 plays. Miami completely shutdown Wake Forest offensively after another breakdown in the secondary 36-yard TD pass on the Demon Deacons' first drive. Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier finished 8-14 for 86 yards with one TD and one interception.
Bachmeier is a respectable 57th nationally averaging 216.9 passing yards per game in 2024, That includes yesterday's stats. After the performance yesterday Miami is 35th nationally allowing 194.3 passing yards per game. After Georgia Tech ran for 271 yards two weeks ago, Miami held Wake Forest to 94 yards on 40 carries.
Miami held 3-8 Ball State to 115 yards in a 62-0 win in September. Although the numbers were more dominant versus Ball State, Miami holding Wake Forest to 193 yards was more impressive with how dominant the defense was on the final eight drives. Miami is going to need another strong defensive performance at Syracuse on Saturday.