The Miami Hurricanes dominated the Pittsburgh Panthers today at Hard Rock Stadium, 52-23. It was an impressive performance for the Canes, who were playing in front of dozens of guys from the 2001 National Championship team. Miami fans know these guys as part of the greatest team in college football history. Plus, I will say it’s nice to finally see the Canes play a game at noon. Now I can sit back and enjoy the rest of the football day.
Let’s come to the three stars of the game.
The best player in college football had a hell of a day. Toney broke his own single-game reception record today with his 16 receptions. Those 16 catches accounted for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Toney suffered his first fall in his college career. To be honest, he was hit hard in the middle as soon as the ball arrived. I think Canes fans will forgive him. Toney can do anything. It is the best in the country with the big receiver screen. He can pass through the middle. He can go deep. He can win one-on-one. Oh, and he’s a fierce blocker. I no longer have any way to explain how good a footballer Malachi Toney is. I repeat it. Miami fans are truly spoiled right now. I know I appreciate it.
Mensah is still somehow completing over 80% of his passes this season. Plus, back to no turnovers today. It’s crazy how precise and efficient it is. He and Toney are obviously locked down right now. Beyond that, Mensah has a strong connection to the entire offense. I’m sure he was frustrated by the incompletion on fourth down when he looked at Israel Briggs to throw deeper to Daylyn Upshaw. The throw could have been better, but Upshaw should have caught it. On the next drive, Mensah returned to Upshaw with confidence. It’s the leadership from the quarterback that I love to see. His stats: 31-37, 387 yards, four touchdowns.
The freshman defensive back was once again one of Miami’s best defensive players today. Dunnigan led the team with five solo tackles. He also had a nice punch when the Pitt quarterback was scrambling. Justin Scott jumped on the ball. The offense turned the drive into a touchdown a few minutes later. Oh, and Dunnigan had a huge sack on third down when he was so close to forcing another fumble. Miami’s secondary is probably the team’s biggest concern right now. It would be a lot worse if JJ Dunnigan didn’t play like he does.
Javian Mallory – The freshman running back impressed again today against the best run defense in college football. Mallory led the team in rushing with 47 yards on seven carries. He scored two more touchdowns. Stud.
‘Dr. Jacobs- The speedy transfer receiver finished second in receiving yards today. He made a nice catch of the deep ball. Jacobs’ best matches are definitely ahead of him. Stat line: three receptions for 50 yards.
The Miami Hurricanes of 2001 – It was cool to see the greatest team in college football history celebrate its 25th anniversary while the current Hurricanes team is ranked number one in the country. Like so many other Canes fans, I absolutely loved watching this team. The best ever.
Who were your three stars of the match? Let us know in the comments below.
Gn sports
