MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 6 Miami returned home to Hard Rock Stadium Saturday night looking to keep its undefeated season rolling against Central Michigan.
The Hurricanes entered the matchup 3-0 but got off to a sluggish start offensively, as the Chippewas’ defense put the clamps on Miami early.
Central Michigan drew first blood on its opening drive when Caden VanHuis connected on a 49-yard field goal with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Chippewas a 3-0 lead.
Miami eventually found its rhythm behind South Florida native Javian Mallory, who punched in a four-yard touchdown run to put the Hurricanes ahead 7-3.
From there, Miami started looking like the team that entered the night ranked No. 6 in the country.
Quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Daylyn Upshaw for an 11-yard touchdown early in the second quarter, extending Miami’s lead to 14-3.
The Hurricanes’ defense then joined the party.
Freshman defensive back JJ Dunnigan recovered a Central Michigan fumble, giving Miami possession in plus territory. The Hurricanes quickly capitalized, with Mensah finding Malachi Toney over the middle for an eight-yard touchdown to make it 21-3.
You could feel the air beginning to leave the Chippewas’ sideline.
Then came the Mensah and Cooper Barkate show.
The two connected twice on another scoring drive, including a 13-yard touchdown pass that pushed Miami’s advantage to 28-3.
Mensah wasn’t finished. The quarterback capped another Miami drive with a five-yard touchdown run as the Hurricanes completely took control before halftime.
After struggling to get going in the opening quarter, Miami erupted for 28 unanswered points in the second quarter and took full command of the game.
The Hurricanes even got a big-man touchdown in the second half.
Running back Jordan Lyle rushed up the middle before fumbling near the goal line, but offensive lineman Jamal Meriweather was there to recover it and was credited with a one-yard touchdown run.
Meanwhile, Miami’s defense continued to keep Central Michigan’s offense in check. With the Hurricanes holding a commanding lead, Miami began working reserves into the game throughout the second half.
For Miami, it was another example of taking care of business against an opponent it was expected to beat. More importantly, the Hurricanes overcame an uneven start before imposing their will on both sides of the football.
With the 52-3 victory, Miami improved to 4-0 on the season.
Miami now turns its attention to Clemson on Oct. 3 for an ACC matchup against the Tigers. With Miami continuing to stack wins and sitting among the nation’s top-ranked teams, the target on the Hurricanes’ backs will only grow.
