Miami Gardens, FL — The Miami Hurricanes put together one of their most complete performances of the season Saturday night, overwhelming USF with a balanced offensive attack and a stingy defense in a commanding victory.
Quarterback Carson Beck was locked in from the opening snap, completing 23 of 28 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score. Backup Emory Williams contributed with a perfect 2-for-2 passing effort for 31 yards, pushing Miami’s air total to 371 yards.
The ground game was just as punishing. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. bulldozed his way to 120 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per touch. Afterward, Fletcher pointed to his renewed sense of purpose.
“With everything that’s happened over the last year, my why has changed. Before, I just loved playing football, but now my why is my dad and my family. That’s what pushes me.”
The passing game showed its depth as eight different receivers caught passes. Joshua Moore stole the spotlight with two touchdown grabs, including the first of his college career, finishing with three receptions for 61 yards. Keelan Marion added six catches for 81 yards, while Malichi Toney chipped in 66 yards on six receptions. Marion praised the unselfishness of the room.
“Our room is loaded. We all wait our turn, and everybody makes plays. Even if nobody has a massive stat line, everyone contributes and that’s what makes us dangerous.”
Miami’s defense did its part as well, registering seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. Veterans Akeem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. paced the front line with six tackles each, while Corey Smith added five stops and a pass breakup.
By the final whistle, the stat sheet told the story: 576 total yards of offense, four rushing scores, and a defense that kept USF from finding rhythm. With Fletcher running with purpose and Moore announcing himself with two touchdowns, Miami showed the kind of balance and firepower that makes them a dangerous opponent heading into the heart of the season.
