Tempers flare between UM and LSU players during pregame warmup.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The last time Miami and LSU met, a postgame brawl between players made as many headlines as the Tigers’ dominant performance in the 2005 Peach Bowl.
Sunday night, the Hurricanes and Tigers didn’t wait until the AdvoCare Classic ended to exchange words — and a few shoves.
During pregame warmups, tempers flared between the teams after several of the Tigers’ defensive backs ran along Miami’s side of the field. Several of the Hurricanes players did not take too kindly to that and some of them sprinted down to the LSU side of the field where coaches and support staff quickly intervened before any punches were thrown.
In a video posted by ESPN on Twitter, Hurricanes defensive tackle Gerald Willis — who is from Louisiana and is returning from a year-long leave of absence with the Hurricanes — is seen in the middle of the skirmish, as is freshman fellow defensive tackle Nesta Silvera.
Things got testy again later when as the Tigers left the field to head into the locker room, several Hurricanes players, led by linebacker Mike Pinckney, stood at the edge of the field, staring the LSU players down.
Later, during the pregame coin toss, officials warned both teams to avoid “any extracurricular activities.”
Former ’Canes show support
Several former Hurricanes players were at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, supporting their alma mater, including Russell Maryland and Michael Irvin, who served as honorary captains for the game.
Before kickoff, Irvin spoke at a pregame event for Hurricanes boosters and spent time chatting with current Hurricanes DeeJay Dallas and receiver Mike Harley, a fellow St. Thomas Aquinas alum.
Joining Maryland and Irvin were Edgerrin James, Jessie Armstead, Ed Reed, Clinton Portis, Orlando Franklin, Vince Wilfork, Tyler Horn and current Cowboys receiver Allen Hurns.
Freshmen, transfers debut
The Hurricanes expected several freshmen would see significant action in the opener on Sunday and by midway through the first quarter, several newcomers had already made their debuts.
Tight end Brevin Jordan started Sunday. Also getting playing time early were receiver Brian Hightower and cornerbacks Al Blades Jr. and DJ Ivey.
Kicker Bubba Baxa connected on his first field goal of the game, a 38-yarder that tied the game at 3-3 with 6:49 left in the first quarter. He missed a 45-yarder later in the first half.
Also making their debut Sunday were Miami’s two graduate transfers: defensive lineman Tito Odenigbo from Illinois and offensive lineman Venzell Boulware from Tennessee.
Bandy ejected
Miami’s defense was forced to make adjustments early after starting cornerback Trajan Bandy ,a sophomore, was called for targeting and ejected on LSU’s fourth offensive play of the game.
UM honors Parkland victims
The Hurricanes took the field on Sunday wearing decals on their helmets honoring the victims of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland.