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Miami wins game of roller coaster emotions going away

Miami used a game of roller coaster emotions with both teams earning two score leads before the Hurricanes pulled away to defeat Duke on Saturday.

By Alan Rubenstein

Nov 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks for a passing option against the Duke Blue Devils during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks for a passing option against the Duke Blue Devils during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Miami led 14-0 in the first quarter and fell behind 28-17 early in the second half before answering with a 36-3 run to beat Duke 53-31 at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was a record-setting day for Miami quarterback Cam Ward and wide recevier Xavier Restrepo as the Hurricanes' offense exploded in the second half.

Restrepo now has 182 career receptions for 2.593 yards after recording eight catches for 146 yards and a score on Saturday. Ward had five TD passes for the second time this season and was within a yard of tying the Miami single-game record of six set by Jarren Williams versus Louisville in 2019.

Ward tied the Miami single-season record of 29 TDs previously set by Steve Walsh in 1988. Ward completed 25 passes in 41 attempts for 400 yards with five TDs and one nearly costly interception. Ward threw across his body into the middle of the field and was nearly a pick-six.

The game took a familiar pattern. After playing poorly for three quarters the Miami defense forced three punts and two turnovers in the fourth quarter while allowing 51 yards. Miami had 198 yards and 21 points in the fourth quarter. Duke had 354 yards and 28 points through three quarters.

Ward completed passes to eight Miami receivers and Jacolby George, tight end Cam McCormick and Restrepo all scored TDs. Isaiah Horton had six receptions for 71 yards and George finished with four for 74 and the one score. Mark Fletcher and Damian Martinez continued to share carries.

Fletcher had 12 carries for 65 yards and scored a TD for the second consecutive game after losing his father last week. Martinez had 11 carries for 66 yards and added two receptions for 19 yards. Miami held Duke to 80 yards on 27 carries, but the Blue Devils had three rushing TDs.

Duke wide receivers Sahmir Hagans with nine receptions for 139 yards and a TD and Jordan Moore with five for 75 continually burned the Miami secondary. Duke QB Maalik Murphy finished 25-41 for 325 yards, three TDs and three interceptions. Miami finished with a plus two turnover margin.

Miami improved to 9-0 ahead of playing at Georgia Tech next week. The game time at Georgia Tech is yet to be announced. Miami could move up one or two spots in the rankings depending on outcomes later today. Number three Penn State lost to Ohio State and Georgia is currently playing Florida.

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