MIAMI GARDENS – Travis Homer came out strong in his first start at running back for Miami.
Coming off a big road win against the Florida State Seminoles (24-20 triumph on Oct. 7), the Hurricanes knew they need to keep their momentum going. Since the Florida State game, a big change took place due to junior running back Mark Walton’s season-ending ankle injury.
With the next man up mentality in place, Miami gave the starting running back position and spotlight to the Oxbridge Academy 2016 alum. And from there on, Homer has handled his platform like a true professional in more ways than one.
With a career-high 170 rushing yards on 20
carries and two total touchdowns, Homer was able to get the Hurricanes (No. 8 in latest AP Poll; 5-0 overall record; 3-0 in ACC play) the yards they needed down the field. As a result of his outstanding performance, Homer was selected as Miami’s Player of the Game in his team’s 25-24 home win over Georgia Tech on Saturday, Oct. 14.
“He has got vision and quickness,” Miami head coach Mark Richt said of Homer. “He secured the ball extremely well. He cuts the ball very well out of the backfield, and he has a lot of stamina. He had a very good day.”
In Miami’s postgame press conference, Homer deflected all the praise coming his way when asked about his career-best performance against Georgia Tech.
“I mean, you know, that’s all great, but I couldn’t have done that without my line, quarterback, receivers, and just everyone,” Homer said.
Miami defensive tackle Kendrick Norton was not surprised about Homer’s performance.
“He comes to practice every day and works very hard,” Norton said. “Even when he was behind Mark (Walton), those guys came in and competed every day. Travis is a great ballplayer for us.”
Miami wide receiver and Santaluces 2014 alum Darrell Langham, also a Palm Beach County product, made a clutch 4th-down catch late in the fourth quarter to help Miami get in position for the comeback win. He also made a similar big catch last week in last week’s win over Florida State, a 23-yard touchdown reception with six second left in the game.
After the incredible catch from Langham, he humbly stated how great Homer held his ground in today’s game.
“I feel like he’s taking over the offense in the run game and in the passing game,” Langham said. “He’s doing his thing and I hope he keeps fighting like that.”
Miami, the only remaining undefeated team in the ACC, was originally supposed to play Georgia Tech (3-2 overall; 2-1 in ACC) on the night of Thursday, Oct. 12. But due to the effects of Hurricane Irma last month, the game was ultimately pushed back a couple of days.
With the win, Miami has proven to be a top contender for its first ACC crown.
“We just kept fighting and believing and scrapping,” Richt said. “And that’s a tremendous trait for a football team.”
Miami’s next game is at home on Saturday, Oct. 21 against ACC opponent Syracuse (4-3 overall; 2-1 in ACC). The kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.
PHOTO CREDITS: Keith Forde
