I could not help but observe the Miami Hurricanes playing host to the Central Michigan Chippewas with suspicious eyes just like a character from The Simpsons.
The Simpsons characters are known to squint when the optics for something does not look good moreover skeptical.
Jarren Williams passed for 250 yards and a touchdown; DeeJay Dallas ran for another score and Miami — a 30-point favorite — needed an Al Blades Jr interception in the final seconds to seal a 17-12 win over Central Michigan.
The good news is the Hurricanes’ worst game the season resulted in a win.
The Hurricanes were coming off a 63-0 dismantling of Bethune Cookman, registering their first win of the season, as well as Manny Diaz’s first win as a head coach.
The Chippewas from the MAC were a step up from I-A Bethune.
“The most concerning things, of course, is the penalties,” Miami coach Diaz said. “That is something we will address into the bye week.”
The Hurricanes gave up four sacks, committed 13 penalties, allowed a safety, dropped an interception, got a punt blocked, went 1 for 10 on third downs and ran for only 51 yards on 34 attempts — against a Mid-American Conference team whose only other outing against a Power 5 opponent so far this season resulted in a 61-0 beating at Wisconsin.
“Our Wednesday practice this week was as poor a practice we had, and it shows today,” Coach Diaz said.
Kicker Bubba Baxa made a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter after a 27-yard miss was wiped out by a penalty. Baxa had missed a kick from 30 yards or less in each of Miami’s first three games.
Squint those eyes again.
Miami was 1-10 on third downs with only 51 yards rushing.
The season starts when conference play begins.
Williams has impressed at the quarterback position from the start of the season, but this was his worst game so far.
“We left a lot of plays out there,” Williams said. “We have to get better.”
Williams still hasn’t thrown for an interception in 119 throws. It’s the longest such career-opening stretch by any Miami quarterback.
The Chippewas are now 0-4 all-time in the state of Florida, getting outscored 185-41.
The beat goes on.
Central Michigan: Returns to Mid-American play at Western Michigan next Saturday.
Miami: Off next week, then returns to ACC play Oct. 5 at home against Virginia Tech.
Photo/LemonCity
