By Andres Cruz
The University of Miami has a rich history of winning in NCAA football, especially during the eighties and mid-nineties, also known as the glory days of “The U”. Throughout this era, the Canes were coached by the legendary Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson, winning four national championships from 1983 to 1991. After their last Championship victory in 2001, the Hurricanes have had poorly coordinated teams, enduring losing seasons, and previously cut ties with Al Golden, who was by far the worst head coach to “lead” the Canes.
Now with Head Coach Mark Richt, they’re currently undefeated, with their last two games being won in dramatic fashion. It isn’t just that Miami is finally winning that’s stirring up so much clout from football fans everywhere, it’s how.
When the Hurricanes faced off against Florida State two weeks ago, it was sure to be a back and forth, overall exciting game. And with as big of a rivalry these two teams have with one another, it sure was. Right from the start, Miami’s defense dominated the young Seminole offense, getting two sacks and an interception by the end of the first half. However, during the second half the Seminole gained momentum against Miami’s defense, whose backfield continued to awfully-executed zone plays. On offense, UM’s Quarterback Malik Rosier completed two difficult touchdown passes to wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
Once FSU took the lead with less than a minute and a half remaining in the game, the hurricanes were faced with the difficult task of moving down the field in little to no time. Rosier calmly gathered his offense and eventually led them into Seminole territory with only ten seconds left in the game. Rosier completed a very quick and precise touchdown pass, giving the Canes the lead and eventually the victory. For his amazing performance, Braxton Berrios was named ACC receiver of the week after the game.
How I feel too….. #MIAvsFSU #GoCanes #TheU 🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/79F98Gs8XC
— Brian Jenkins (@itsBrianJenkins) October 8, 2017
A week later against Georgia Tech, Miami showed no sign of the energy used to defeat Florida State the week before. At the end of the first half, they put up a last-minute, nine play drive that ended in a touchdown, decreasing Georgia Tech’s lead to 14-13.
At the start of the second half, Miami kicked an onside kick, giving the ball to their opponents literally around the fifty-yard lining, resulting in a touchdown for the Yellow Jackets. The Canes eventually caught up, with score 22-24 late in the fourth quarter. However, it didn’t come without a cost as the Georgia Tech defense got three sacks during the game. Once again, with less than a second left in the game, Rosier and the Miami offense pull off and impressive run down the field, eventually setting up their game-winning field goal.
Miami tries to start the 2nd half with a surprise onside kick.
It didn't go well. #GTvsMIA pic.twitter.com/pJfRyJ2wtT
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 14, 2017
Their win against Georgia Tech, besides it being an exciting nail-biter, brought even more hype when it sealed Miami a spot in the top ten national rankings. Once ranked number eleven, the Canes have now been promoted to number eight in division one NCAA football.
#Miami wins the closing seconds!! #TheU #GTvsMIA pic.twitter.com/u6rKERA5K3
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 14, 2017
These two victories have proved that Miami has a new weapon up their sleeves: A cool and collected quarterback with outstanding receivers. Even though Rosier tends to start off games playing sloppy and making horrible passing decisions, his ability to rally up his team during a limited amount of time and move effectively down the field has earned him the title “Mr.Clutch”.
Miami vs FSU then Miami vs GTech and then last night man.. i'm gonna burst a blood vessel in my head with these games
— Denda Disdic (@Horchata_20) October 20, 2017
If Mark Richt continues to improve his squad the way he’s been doing week after week this season, the Hurricanes are sure to be potential competitors in this season’s college football playoff.
