Miami Gardens, FL.- Welcome to the show Damien Martinez!
Last night (October 26), the Miami Hurricanes hosted the Florida State Seminoles for the 69th (nice) edition of their in-state rivalry. The vibes were electric at Hard Rock Stadium, it was Homecoming week and the stands were flooded by a sea of orange.
As the Homecoming festivities commenced, Miami legends from almost every era of program history were huddled around the field, laughing and reminiscing about their time.
Well over 66 thousand electric Miami Hurricanes fans packed the stands hungry for one thing and one thing only: the Death of Florida State.
Well the ‘Canes fans certainly got their wish, but definitely not how they drew it up. Miami pounded the rock the entire night, relying heavily on the run game’s favorable matchup against an FSU defense that has struggled against backs. Miami’s two back tandem of Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. feasted all night against the Seminoles.
On the opening drive of the game, Miami marched down the field primarily on the ground. Fletcher opened the scoring first, as he fights his way into the endzone for a two yard touchdown. Following his score, Mark Fletcher Jr. took a knee of solidarity and pointed to the sky, in honor of his late father, Mark Fletcher Sr., who passed earlier this week.
The ground game continued to work, as Damien Martinez bullies his way into an 18 yard touchdown rush. Florida State would finally get something going offensively, as Caziah Holmes punches in a score, getting the Noles on the board.
Finally, moments before halftime, star kicker Andy Borregales drills his first field goal of the night. Miami entered the intermission leading 17-7
Throughout the third quarter, the only two scores came from consecutive FG’s from Borregales, as Miami now leads 23-7.
The fourth quarter is where this game really gets fun. The Hurricanes found themselves in the redzone, looking to come away with points other than a field goal. Cam Ward takes the snap, hands off to Damien Martinez who flips it to Elijah Arroyo and finds Ward again for a Philly-Special type trick play touchdown!
Adding insult to injury, Miami found themselves with the ball again with just over two minutes remaining. This drive would be headlined by Martinez, who took a projected 1 yard gain or TFL play 55 yards, and placing the Canes back in scoring position. After the two minute warning, Damien flew through the A gap untouched for another rushing score. This huge drive by Damien Martinez secured his first 100 yard performance as a Miami Hurricane, totaling 148 on the night.
Florida State then drives down the field thanks to a huge reception by Amaree Williams followed by a pass interference call. Noles QB Brock Glenn then hits Malik Benson for a score, cutting the final to 36-14.
Defensively, Miami suffocated Florida State’s offense. FSU couldn’t generate any sort of offensive momentum throughout the night. Star linebacker Kiko Mauigoa lit up the stat sheet, recording 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit and a PBU. Other strong defensive performances came from DL Reuben Bain, who tallied 4 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 Sack and Akheem Mesidor, who racked in 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack.
Miami now advances to 8-0 on their incredible season, and will host Duke next Saturday (November 2). Kickoff is slated for 12 P.M. EST
