A win is a win.
When a win comes after obstacles are set before it, that win is sweeter.
The football game was a thoroughly dominant performance by the Miami Hurricanes over a struggling Duke Blue Devils team in a 48-0 shut out Saturday night.
Storylines for the Hurricanes leading up to kickoff were of concern and a reminder that college football games maybe should not be played this season.
I digress.
D’Eriq King threw three touchdown passes and rushed for a score helping Miami posted its first road shutout in 20 years. A shut out win after a triumphant return from a two-week postponement amid positive COVID-19 tests and quarantines.
“The sacrifices the team has had to make have brought them closer together,” Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz shared. “This team has a strong connection. They really like playing for each other.”
King shared he tested positive for Covid-19 himself. That issue was averted since it was during the postponement importantly, he has recovered; it was evident in the game.
“It wasn’t too bad,” King shared. “It was just lonely. I’m at home watching a lot of TV, a lot of Netflix, and trying to do whatever you can do.”
King finished 16 of 24 passing for 248 yards. He also ran for 46 yards, including his 11-yard scoring run.
Hurricanes were down 15 players in the game; everyone who remained on their depth chart contributed to the win.
This was Duke’s first shutout loss since losing 27-0 at Georgia Tech in October 2008, during coach David Cutcliffe’s first season.
In a season of unpredictability with Covid-19 is it fair to label Duke a bad football team based on their record? One of the best college football teams this season, the Ohio State Buckeyes may barely finish six wins with much more on the line for a college football playoff spot.
Wins matter this season; the opponent this college football season barely.
The beat goes on for now.
Hurricanes host a ranked North Carolina team next Saturday.
The Blue Devils take their talents to Florida State next Saturday in a game rescheduled to make room for the Miami game.
Photo/MiamiHurricanes/twitter