Miami Hurricanes Upend Florida A&M, 41-7

The Miami Hurricanes won their home opener on Saturday, taking out the Florida A&M Rattlers—an in-state FBS opponent who has played the role of punching bag for many top-flight teams over the years.

Miami and Florida A&M have traded blows over the years—with a little more meaning than when the Rattlers take on out-of-state powers, due to rivalries that date back to childhood for many players on the field. Over a dozen kids on the FAMU roster hail from the bottom of the state, meaning pride is always on the line in a showdown against the five-time national champions.

For the Hurricanes, games like this oft prove quirky and hard to get up for. Last year Miami topped Florida Atlantic, 34-6. In 2012, Bethune-Cookman kept it respectable in a 38-10 loss, with Miami sloppy at times in both showdowns, playing down to the level of competition.

While Saturday night’s 41-7 victory in the home opener won’t be labeled an “Instant Classic” anytime soon, to Miami’s credit, it showed up (pretty much) and played some pretty good football (for the most part), five days after a frustrating loss at Louisville.

The Hurricanes remain a work in progress, but passed last night’s test by remaining focused, having some bounce in their step and not letting up.

True freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya again got the start and played like the rookie he is; making some solid throws and showing promise, while also getting happy feet at times, not making a few reads and coughing up a few turnovers—though not always helped out by his receivers.

Duke Johnson carried nine times for 97 yards on the night—including a 55-yarder on 1st-and-10 early in the second quarter. Johnson’s amassed the 2,000-yard mark in his career last night, before yielding to Joe Yearby and Gus Edwards later in the game.

Outside of Kaaya and Yearby, several other true freshman were thrust into action. Wide receiver Braxton Berrios hauled in six receptions for 63 yards, while running back Trayone Gray got three carries in the fourth quarter, including a ten-yard touchdown run.

Phillip Dorsett also pulled down two scores—including a sliding 32-yard reception in the back of the end zone as Kaaya’s pass sailed and dropped between two defenders. Herb Waters also reeled in three passes for 42 yards. All in all, Kaaya spread it around to six different Hurricanes receivers.

Miami got off to a fast start, the defense holding Florida A&M to a quick three-and-out. After taking over mid-field, Kaaya immediately went to Waters for a 16-yard gain. Two plays later, a quick-strike to tight end Clive Walford for 16 yards, followed by a 13-yard run by Johnson.

On 1st-and-Goal, Kaaya threw towards the back right corner of the end zone, giving true freshman Tyre Brady a jump-ball opportunity that was almost picked off by cornerback Devonte Johnson—a ball Kaaya should’ve put elsewhere or Brady should’ve fought harder for. A play later the veteran Dorsett reeled in a four-yard score.

Miami’s defense forced another three-and-out, stuffing the run and containing quarterback Damien Fleming. Upon getting the ball back mid-field, the Hurricanes mounted another quick-strike drive, Kaaya finding Berrios twice, before throwing an end zone interception.

Again, the Hurricanes defense stepped up. After a quick first down, the Rattlers were in a 3rd-and-9 situation when linebacker Thurston Armbrister sacked Fleming, forcing a fumble recovered by defensive end Anthony Chickillo.

Back-to-back runs by Johnson picked up 13 yards and Miami was up, 14-0 late in the first.

Early second quarter the Hurricanes were on the board again. Johnson’s 55-yard run earned him a quick breather on the sidelines, with Edwards filing in effectively.

A holding penalty on offensive lineman Taylor Gadbois put Miami in a 1st-and-20 situation from the FAMU 38-yard line, but a 16-yard strike from Kaaya to Malcolm Lewis gave the Canes a manageable 2nd-and-4. Edwards picked up seven for the first down and a play later broke off a 15-yard touchdown run.

The first half was nearly flawless for Miami, sans some offensive line mistakes and special teams blunders. Kicker Matt Goudis left a 45-yard field goal attempt short, wasting good field position and a Stacy Coley return that set the Canes up at the FAMU 27-yard line.

Miami lost a yard after two incomplete passes and a negative yardage run by Johnson, yet were still in field goal range, but walked away empty handed.

Two possessions later, after another three-and-out, a bad snap went over the head of punter Justin Vogel, who attempted to pick up the loose ball, which was recovered by the Rattlers for their lone score of the night.

Up 28-7 at the half, Miami tacked on 13 second-half points, mostly behind second- and third-stringers who needed the reps.

Yearby took over for Johnson and picked up 23 yards on four carries on the opening drive of the second half. Kaaya also found Waters for a 22-yard gain on 2nd-and-4, but two plays later threw his second interception of the night.

Kaaya had one more series, before turning the reigns over to Jake Heaps in the final second of the third quarter. Thankfully coaches let Heaps attempt to toss it around the yard, opposed to playing the role of handoff-machine.

The senior transfer from Kansas immediately had a nice 17-yard hook-up with Berrios, but couldn’t reconnect on a 3rd-and-6 attempt that was tipped by Kashawn Butler. A drive later, Heaps hit Waters behind the sticks on 3rd-and-5 and Miami was again forced to punt.

Heaps finished 5-of-8 for 41 yards, while Kaaya put together a 12-of-22, 177-yard, two touchdowns, two interception performance. Miami backs combined for 198 yards on the night, while time of possession was fairly even, with the Hurricanes holding onto the ball for 30:28.

Penalties weren’t a difference-maker, with Miami dinged four times for 40 yards, but three turnovers and a putrid 2-of-10 in third down efficiency is unacceptable against the likes of a Florida A&M.

Coupled with Monday night’s third down tank job at Louisville, Miami is now 3-of-23 on third down—mostly the result of second down rushes that keep the Canes in and-long situations.

Miami sits at 1-1 with Arkansas State on deck, followed by a road trip to Lincoln to take on Nebraska—who doesn’t currently look as solid as Louisville, but is light years ahead of Florida A&M and will show up proper for a sold out night game at home.

Two games played in a six-day span and it’s safe to say that the Hurricanes are still an in-progress squad, with more questions than answers. Case in point:

Kaaya still looked all the part of a rookie, even in a game that was nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. As a result, things now get murkier at quarterback with the true freshman not putting a stranglehold on the position.

Heaps got some reps this past weekend and depth returns with a healthy Ryan Williams in the coming weeks, as well as a no-longer-suspended Kevin Olsen.

The last thing Miami coaches wanted in early September was a quarterback controversy, but one is seemingly setting up as the position is a mixed bag of youth and inexperience, coupled with seniority, game-managing ability and short-term versus long-term gains for the program.

Offensive line is still not playing up to its potential, which is directly impacting quarterback play and the ground game. Something has to give on that front and immediate improvement is necessary.

Miami has some leadership in seniors Jon Feliciano and Shane McDermott, as well as junior Ereck Flowers, but has seen sophomores like Danny Isadora and the aforementioned Gadbois struggling. The Canes are also slowly bringing along Alex Gall and freshmen Trevor Darling, Nick Linder and KC McDermott.

Whatever it takes, this unit absolutely has to come together. No worse recipe for a true freshman quarterback than spotty offensive line play.

Yearby and Edwards both showed flashed of good, but neither has done anything to solidify the number two spot. Gray also added his name to the mix, showing some athleticism on a few attempts Saturday night.

Successful Miami teams have usually had that two-headed monster at running back, or second-stringers that were more than capable of carrying the load. Yearby looks special, but at 5’9″ and 192 pounds, isn’t that bigger-bodied back the Hurricanes need to help Johnson. Pressure is on the 6’2″, 230-pound Edwards to find his groove and become that guy.

Dorsett and Waters looks like Miami’s most-reliable receivers, while Coley seems a step off last year’s pace and hasn’t dazzled in eight quarters of football.

Berrios is having an impact as a true freshman and should improve as the year rolls on, but no one is taking on the consistent role Allen Hurns played last season.

Outside of that group, curious to see if and when Rashawn Scott is healthy, while hoping Brady or Darrell Langham and have an impact as true freshmen.

Special teams has looked less than stellar. No big plays on punt or kick returns two games in for Miami, while the Canes gave up a touchdown return at Louisville and another score courtesy of an errant long snap last night.

Much like great Miami squads known for solid quarterback play and a stable of running backs, special teams was also a staple and right now that side of the ball feels anything but special.

There are a lot of speedy players on this team. Someone needs to step up and take over. Field position battles need to be won, if nothing more than for the sake of a rookie quarterback.

Unexpectedly, defense has been Miami’s “strong” suit two games in. The Hurricanes hung most of the night at Louisville, fading when the offense consistently no-showed, while keeping Florida A&M in check all night, limiting the Rattlers to 114 total yards.

For all the offensive firepower the Hurricanes have, it was held in check by the Cardinals, while leaving some points on the field against FAMU.

While Florida A&M was a true scrimmage, the same won’t be the case with Arkansas State next weekend. The Red Wolves hung tough at Neyland Stadium this past Saturday in a, 34-19 loss to Tennessee and were an 8-5 squad last year, ending the season with a bowl win over Ball State.

With one more shot at ironing out some kinks before taking on Nebraska, Miami needs to spend the next two weeks figuring out who it is on offense—which all starts with the line providing good run- and pass-protection.

Kaaya can’t find a groove and Johnson’s efforts have been held in check courtesy of line play not being where it needs to be. Until it improves, the Hurricanes offense will remain a step behind and this Miami team remains identity-less and in a state of limbo.

Beware of Arkansas State, devise a solid game plan to keep Kaaya moving forward, show up again on defense and keep the second- and third-string backs their carries as Johnson can’t be a one-man show this season.

Things certainly aren’t where the should be, but it’s early September and there’s still time to get these Hurricanes trending upwards.

One more semi-dress rehearsal before a late-September primetime showdown.

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