Gainesville, FL
Aug 31, 2024
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The Miami Hurricanes silenced a packed Swamp with a resounding 41-17 victory over the Florida Gators on Saturday. Cam Ward, the heralded transfer from Washington State, was spectacular in his debut, passing for 385 yards and three touchdowns. He led a Miami offense that racked up 529 yards of total offense, dismantling a stunned Gator defense. The loss marked Florida’s first defeat in a home opener since 1989, ending their NCAA-best 34-game winning streak in home openers.
Miami’s defense was equally impressive, forcing two interceptions and holding the Gators to a meager 261 total yards. Florida's only bright spot was a 71-yard touchdown run by Montrell Johnson Jr. Miami’s balanced attack, both through the air and on the ground, highlighted their dominance. Despite some late-game effort by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, Florida was unable to recover, succumbing to Miami’s superior play.
Cam McCormick (Miami Hurricanes)
Ward shoveled an 8-yard scoring toss to tight end Cam McCormick for a 7-0 lead barely halfway through the opening period, setting the tone for Miami's dominance.
Trey Smack (Florida Gators)
Shemar James intercepted Ward, setting up a short drive capped by Trey Smack’s 41-yard field goal to put Florida on the board at 7-3.
Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami Hurricanes)
Taking advantage of a roughing-the-passer penalty, Fletcher Jr. capped off the drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending Miami's lead to 17-3.
Montrell Johnson Jr. (Florida Gators)
Off an explosive play, Montrell Johnson Jr. broke loose for a 71-yard touchdown run, providing a fleeting hope for Florida by closing the gap to 17-10.
Xavier Restrepo (Miami Hurricanes)
With seconds left in the half, Ward found Xavier Restrepo for a 24-yard touchdown to conclude an eight-play, 75-yard march, sending Miami into halftime leading 24-10.
Treyaun Webb (Florida Gators)
Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway led a touchdown drive ending with Treyaun Webb's 1-yard rush, marking Florida’s final score at 38-17.
Andres Borregales (Miami Hurricanes)
Andres Borregales kicked a 26-yard field goal, solidifying Miami’s commanding 41-17 lead, which held until the final whistle.
Jaden Harris (Miami Hurricanes)
Jaden Harris intercepted DJ Lagway’s pass, ensuring any hope for a Florida comeback was extinguished.
Cam Ward (Miami Hurricanes, QB)
Ward completed 26 of 35 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 33 yards. His exceptional play has thrust him into early Heisman Trophy consideration.
Montrell Johnson Jr. (Florida Gators, RB)
Gaining 106 yards on 11 carries, Johnson Jr. provided the lone highlight for the Gators with a remarkable 71-yard touchdown run, infusing brief hope into their effort.
Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami Hurricanes, RB)
Fletcher Jr. added two rushing touchdowns and showcased versatility with a crucial 22-yard catch-and-run, underpinning Miami's dominance in the red zone.
Xavier Restrepo (Miami Hurricanes, WR)
Restrepo was the linchpin of Miami's passing game, catching seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, including a critical 24-yard score just before halftime.
Jaden Harris (Miami Hurricanes, DB)
Harris excelled on defense, leading the team with seven tackles and delivering a key interception in the fourth quarter to quash any Florida comeback hopes.
Miami Dolphins
7
17
14
3
41
Florida Gators
3
7
0
7
17
