The wind has begun to blow for the Miami Hurricanes.
After an 0-2 start, the Hurricanes get their first win of the season, dismantling the Bethune Cookman Wildcats 63-0.
Rookie head coach Manny Diaz picked up his first win since replacing Mark Richt as coach after last season.
“I am happy for all the players,” said Diaz. “I prefer winning over losing. This is way more fun than the past two weeks.”
There is more work to be done for “The U.”
Hurricanes had four drives in the 1st quarter and could only score 7 points, they were 0-5 for third-down conversions in the first half, and the turnover chain came out for the first time in two weeks.
Quarterback Jarren Williams continues to grow and running back DeeJay Dallas made the running game an impact. Williams threw for 254 yards and three scores. Dallas ran for 108 yards and three touchdowns. Miami outgained the Wildcats 590-137 and held them to four first downs.
“I’m a winner,” Williams said. “I hate losing more than anything. To get that first win for coach Diaz means a lot because we play for him.”
Bethune-Cookman remained winless in five games against the Hurricanes, all since 2011, with the defeats by a combined score of 232-37.
With the game well in hand, on to the field comes former walk-on Jimmy Murphy. He scored his first career touchdown in the closing minutes only to be met by exuberant teammates, rose and performed a running handspring as the touchdown rings awaited him on the sideline. Murphy also drew a 15-yard penalty for excessive celebrating. Teammates and coaches didn’t mind.
The beat goes on.
The Hurricanes play host to Central Michigan next at home.
The Wildcats play the second of three consecutive road games Saturday at Mississippi Valley State.
Photos/LemonCity/EdwinGarcia
