Casz Clayton- New Era Prep Staff Writer
Ben Hill Stadium- GAINESVILLE, FL.- The Miami Hurricanes open their third season under Head Coach Mario Cristobal.
This time away, Miami made their first road game since 2014. Cristobal has been crafting and preparing this team since January for this very game, a Rivalry matchup against the University of Florida. Over 90,000 fans packed up in the Ben Hill Stadium for the long-anticipated matchup between two Florida teams. Quarterback Cam Ward, a Two-time transfer from Washington State, who decided not to enter the NFL draft and play for the University of Miami. Ward debuted as a Miami Hurricane, finishing the game with 385 yards and three touchdowns with 1 Interception. “He’s just scratching the surface, Really accurate and improvising; he’s got a great connection with his receivers.” Coach Cristobal on Ward’s performance in the Swamp.
Photos By: Isabella Navas/@takesbyisa
Cam spread his passes out to multiple receivers and implemented the Tight ends. Veteran TE Cam McCormick was the first to touch the end zone in the first quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Cam. Ward and Xavier’s chemistry outshined throughout the game. The explosive receiver finished with 112 yards with one touchdown. “These last eight months were tough, at Greentree and in the weight room. That’s where all the work was done.” Restrepo explains the Chemistry he and Cam built.
None of that would have been possible without the protection from The offensive line. Cam Ward was only sacked once late in the 4th quarter, and he blamed that on himself. Starting left tackle Jalen Rivers had a big say in the offensive line’s execution against the Gators’ rugged defensive line. “We knew the D-line we were facing today. They had a great team and defense, and we prepared for that. We just Executed well today.”
Conversely, “The Swamp” is known for being a top Five stadium to come with noise. Unfortunately, Quarterback Graham Mertz could not get the offense going for the Gators. Mertz was sacked three times and only threw for 91 yards. Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. made the biggest play for Florida offensively, running back with a 71-yard Touchdown. ‘I think we struggled to produce any running game outside of one explosive play, and then obviously we had a couple of penalties, and then defensively, outside the third down, didn’t do much” said Florida Head Coach Bill Napier.
Miami’s Running back room was very active in this game. Transfer Running back Damien Martinez debuted the Canes’ run game. Martinez and Freshman Jordan Lyle got some crucial third-down conversions for the Canes alongside Mark Fletcher Jr., who returned remarkably after suffering a Lisfranc injury in December. Fletcher did what he does best and got his team in the endzone, scoring two Touchdowns upon his return. Mark made it easy to root for him.
Mario was satisfied to see his team’s hard work since January pay off today. He was pleased with his team’s execution. “A rivalry game only lasts for a year.” The Canes will play HBCU FAMU in their home opener at the Hard Rock on September 7th at 6 pm EST.
