Let’s be honest, most of us had kind of forgotten about Miami. Were they even relevant anymore? The ACC was Clemson and Florida State. Georgia Tech has had moments. Duke was improved, and Virginia Tech has that defense. Miami? They were Brad Kaaya, and a coach on the hotseat in Al Golden. Nebraska wouldn’t be a signature win, but the Cornhuskers were a decent team with some name recognition.
At home this was must win for the Hurricanes if they wanted to keep the critics at bay. Sometimes the line between elation and meltdown is so thin, and we saw that today for the Hurricanes.
Up 33-10 in the 4th quarter, Miami looked sharp. Brad Kaaya was throwing all over the field. Joseph Yearby was breaking off big runs, and the defense was playing reasonably well. Al Golden was about to start the year 3-0. Then it all went south.
Nebraska made a furious comeback, and sent the game into OT. Think about this for a moment. Al Golden already on the hotseat, was about to blow a 23 point 4th quarter lead at home. If that happened, oh my, Golden would have taken serious heat. That’s the fine line though. It didn’t happen. Miami’s defense came up with an interception, and Miami kicked a FG to win in OT.
The Hurricanes won, and in the end that’s all that matters. This is a team desperately trying to build some positive momentum. Last year the Hurricanes lost 3 of their last 4 games, by a TD or less. This was a team, that struggled closing out and winning games. Was it a thing of beauty today? Nope, but it was win. It’s something to build on. When you’re Miami that’s what you need. Now 3-0 the Hurricanes play at Cincinnati on October 1st. That’s a game you can win before you’re big rivalry matchup with Florida State.
Miami isn’t back, but there may be some life in the Hurricane program. Today was a must win, and they got it.
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