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Miami Gardens, FL– The Miami Hurricanes opened the season with a strong running effort, balanced by efficient passing that helped them to a 38-3 victory over the Miami (OH) Redhawks. True freshman Mark Fletcher, Jr. had 76 yards on nine carries and one touchdown rushing and junior running back Henry Parrish, Jr. also scored once, rushing for 90 yards also on nine carries. The Tyler Van Dyke passing game got off to a fast start as junior wide out Colbie Young to the first bubble screen pass 44 yards for a touchdown.
The explosive offense that was teased in the media all off-season since the arrival of new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson was mostly over played. Van Dyke, who finished 17-22 for 201 yards with a touchdown to Young and an interception on a poorly thrown pass, thew to the flats mostly. A 77-percent passing percentage is the evidence.
Defensively, the Hurricanes had a great first outing under new coordinator Lance Guidry. They only surrendered a field goal and held the Redhawks to just 215 total yards. Transfer linebacker Franciso Mauigoa led the team in tackles with five total, followed by ‘star’ defensive back Te’Cory Couch with 4 stops and two solo tackles.
“Certainly, proud of the way our defensive guys came out..,” said Mario Cristobal post-game. He also said the offensive and defensive lines controlled the lines of scrimmage and that led to the victory.
In addition to true freshman Fletcher, wide out Ray Ray Joseph and Rueben Bain, Jr. saw significant action and looked the part. Quarterback Emory Williams did play in the fourth quarter and 3 for 3 for 42 yards passing. He showed just enough to give Hurricanes fans a lot to look forward to moving forward.
The Hurricanes are back in action next Saturday, hosting Texas A&M.
BREAKING DOWN THE PERSONNEL
Nyjalik Kelly had a very solid game at edge rusher. He dropped into coverage at twice and looked very comfortable.
Andy Borregales 3 for 3 on field goals with a long of 43 yards
