No. 5 Miami Stages Another Huge Comeback, Defeats Duke 53-31 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo led No. 5 Miami to another thrilling comeback, erasing a double-digit deficit to defeat Duke 53-31. Ward threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns, tying a Miami single-season record, while Restrepo broke the Hurricanes’ career receiving yards record. Miami’s third major comeback of the season keeps them undefeated and on track in the ACC.
Miami Rallies for Victory Over Duke with Ward and Restrepo’s Record-Breaking Performance
- Ward and Restrepo’s Record Day: Cam Ward threw five touchdown passes, tying a Miami single-season record, while Xavier Restrepo set new career marks for receptions and receiving yards.
- Third Comeback Win for Miami: Miami erased a 28-17 third-quarter deficit, marking their third comeback from a double-digit deficit this season.
- Duke’s Strong Start Fades: Despite holding a lead and intercepting Miami three times, Duke couldn’t stop Miami’s explosive second-half offense.
- Standout Statistics: Ward’s 400-yard game moved him into the No. 5 spot on the NCAA’s all-time passing list, while Restrepo’s 146-yard game set a new Miami record against Duke.
- Upcoming Matchups: Miami faces Georgia Tech, while Duke heads to N.C. State.
Deep Look
Miami initially appeared to be in control, jumping out to an early 14-0 lead. However, Duke, under head coach Manny Diaz, who was facing Miami for the first time since his 2021 departure, launched a 28-3 scoring run that left Miami trailing 28-17 in the third quarter. Duke’s defense was pressuring Ward, intercepting passes, and controlling the pace of the game. Yet, as they’ve done repeatedly this season, the Hurricanes found a way to respond, capitalizing on big plays and turning a potential upset into another comeback win.
“Our undefeated record is what matters,” Restrepo stated after the game. “The team’s success is what makes everything else worthwhile.” Miami’s offense, which has become known for its ability to rally under pressure, flipped the script once again, outscoring Duke 36-3 in the second half and sealing the game with a blowout score. The victory marks Miami’s third time this season overcoming a double-digit deficit, following comeback wins against Virginia Tech and California.
Ward and Restrepo’s Record-Breaking Performances
Cam Ward’s stellar outing pushed him to 29 touchdown passes this season, tying the Hurricanes’ single-season record set by Steve Walsh in 1988. The game-defining 66-yard touchdown pass to Restrepo with just under eight minutes left was a historic moment, as it tied Walsh’s record and helped Restrepo reach significant career milestones. With that play, Restrepo not only matched Mike Harley’s career record of 182 receptions but also broke Santana Moss’s Miami record for career receiving yards, surpassing the 2,573-yard mark.
Duke’s Strong Start Fades Under Miami’s Pressure
Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy also put up notable numbers, throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Blue Devils ultimately struggled to keep up with Miami’s high-octane offense. Duke’s offense managed an impressive run that saw them go from a 14-0 deficit to a 28-17 lead, their largest advantage of the game. But the Hurricanes’ defense forced critical turnovers, with Murphy throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble, all of which shifted the momentum in Miami’s favor during the second half.
Under Diaz’s leadership, Duke hoped to secure a historic win, which would have marked their first victory against a top-five opponent since 1960. But Miami’s surge in the latter part of the game extinguished those hopes, leaving Duke without the upset they sought. Reflecting on the loss, Diaz noted, “It’s hard to beat any team if you lose the turnover and explosive play battles. Against a team as talented as Miami, that was the difference.”
The Comeback Canes: Resilient and Dominant
Key Takeaways:
- Duke: The Blue Devils would have benefited from a low-scoring game. Since 2018, Duke is 31-2 when holding teams to 21 or fewer points, compared to just 10-40 otherwise. This time, they couldn’t contain Miami’s powerful offense.
- Miami: Ward’s 400-yard game moved him to No. 5 on the NCAA’s all-time passing list, overtaking Landry Fields. It was also the first 400-yard performance by a Miami quarterback against Duke. Restrepo’s 146 yards set a new Miami record for receiving yards against the Blue Devils.
Miami’s Rise in the Polls and Looking Ahead
The Hurricanes’ impressive performance against Duke may position them to move up in the rankings, potentially overtaking Penn State, who lost to Ohio State this week. Miami’s resilient, explosive style of play, paired with Ward and Restrepo’s record-setting performances, has garnered attention from voters and analysts alike.
Upcoming Games
A Season Defined by Grit and Perseverance
As Miami’s season progresses, the team has continued to demonstrate grit, resilience, and the ability to capitalize on key opportunities. With Ward and Restrepo driving the offense, Miami has been able to come back from seemingly insurmountable deficits, showcasing both mental and physical toughness. Ward’s precision and Restrepo’s reliability as a receiver have been integral to the Hurricanes’ success, and their bond on the field continues to elevate the team’s performance.
Saturday’s victory not only added to Miami’s undefeated record but also underscored the Hurricanes’ potential as a team that can adapt, fight back, and dominate when it matters most. The comeback win against Duke solidifies Miami’s standing as one of the ACC’s top contenders and keeps their national playoff hopes alive. If they continue to perform at this level, the Hurricanes have a real shot at contending for both the ACC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
As Miami prepares for its next test against Georgia Tech, they carry forward the momentum of this latest win, knowing that every game brings them closer to their ultimate goal: a chance to compete for the national title.
