Miami Gardens, FL. – In 1987, the Miami Hurricanes achieved a rare feat by defeating three consecutive ranked opponents to open the season. Since then, no team has replicated that accomplishment.
Following recent wins over Boise State and Florida—both against ranked opponents—the USF Bulls had an opportunity to match this achievement Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. However, the current Hurricanes maintained their distinguished alumni streak in a significant manner.
The fifth-ranked Miami Hurricanes defeated No. 18 USF with a final score of 49-12 before a sold-out crowd of 66,591. Despite a 100-minute weather delay, the atmosphere remained energetic, and the Hurricanes secured their ninth consecutive home victory. Miami improved to 3-0 on the season, while USF fell to 2-1.
“We’re not really focused on anyone else, we’re just focused on us. Being the best version of us every week,” Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor. “We gave up 12 points. If you want to be the best defense in the country, that’s not cool. We have things we need to clean up and tidy up on.”
Miami amassed a total of 576 yards of offense and maintained a 12-minute advantage in time of possession. The Hurricanes averaged seven plays on each of their seven touchdown drives. Running back Mark Fletcher rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry, marking his third career game with 100+ rushing yards.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 23 of 28 passes for 340 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receivers Keelan Marion and Malachi Toney each recorded six receptions, while freshman Joshua Moore contributed three catches for 61 yards and scored his first two career touchdowns.
Defensively, Miami limited USF to just 40 rushing yards. The Bulls converted 7 of 19 on third down and were 0 for 2 on fourth down attempts. Defensive ends Akheem Mesidor and Reuben Bain each tallied six tackles. Safety Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game, and linebacker Chase Smith recovered a fumble.
USF quarterback Byrum Brown completed 20 of 36 passes for 274 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Christian Neptune led the Bulls with seven catches for 32 yards and a touchdown, while Chas Nimrod amassed 128 receiving yards on four receptions. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler led the Bulls with eight tackles.
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The game began with Miami receiving the opening kickoff. Beck connected with wide receiver CJ Daniels for 15 yards on the first play. He then converted a third down with a seven-yard run before connecting with Toney for a 20-yard gain down to the USF 27. Four plays later, Beck threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Moore, giving Miami an early 7-0 lead.
USF managed one first down on their initial drive, but Miami’s defense responded effectively. The Hurricanes responded quickly, with Beck completing a deep pass to Moore for a 39-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 within the first quarter.
USF responded with a drive that included a 43-yard reception by Chas Nimrod, but Miami’s defense held, and Nico Gramatica kicked a 45-yard field goal, reducing the deficit to 14-3 with 26 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Following a USF three-and-out and a lightning delay, play resumed with the Bulls advancing to Miami’s 12-yard line. However, Miami’s defense held, and Gramatica made a 28-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-6.
“Start off with the flow of that game. I thought the first half, really that first quarter, we came out and I thought we didn’t look like us,” Bull head coach Alex Golesh said. “I don’t think we ran like we have been. We certainly didn’t execute like we’ve been.”
Miami quickly responded, with Fletcher rushing into the end zone from 17 yards out, increasing the lead to 21-6. Miami continued to control the game momentum, with Beck rushing for an 11-yard touchdown on the next series, making it 28-6.
In the second half, USF attempted to mount a comeback, but Miami’s defense forced turnovers, including an interception by Bryce Fitzgerald and a fumble recovery by Chase Smith, which limited the Bulls’ scoring opportunities.
Fletcher scored his second touchdown on a 13-yard run, expanding Miami’s lead to 35-6. USF finally scored a touchdown late in the third quarter, but the Hurricanes responded strongly, with Beck connecting with Tony Johnson for a 51-yard gain and concluding the drive with a one-yard touchdown pass to Marty Brown, making the final score 49-12.
Miami’s defense continued to dominate by stopping USF on downs, allowing quarterback Emory Williams to see action. The Hurricanes then drove 57 yards in seven plays, with Girard Pringle finishing the drive with a five-yard rushing touchdown.
Next, Miami will host Florida in a rivalry game at Hard Rock Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for Saturday evening, with start times either 7 p.m. on ESPN or 7:30 p.m. on ABC. The official network and exact time will be announced later tonight.
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