Hurricanes’ defense delivers big plays during victory
Ahead of Saturday’s game, the Hurricanes knew they were facing a Florida State team that allowed 17 tackles for loss against Wake Forest last week.
While Miami didn’t match that, finishing with nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage, several players made noteworthy plays during No. 13 UM’s 24-20 win over rival FSU. interceptions.
It was the first interception of Delaney’s Miami career after the cornerback transferred from The Citadel.
meanwhile, finished with a career-high 12 tackles to lead the Hurricanes.
That all of those plays came against Florida State just made it all the more sweet.
“It ain’t hit me yet,” Thomas said. “It just, right now, it’s like we won the game but it will hit me later on. When you feel that love you haven’t felt for a minute. The past few years when we’ve lost to Florida State, the school, the city, the love changes a little bit. Right now, I know when we get back home, everyone’s going to be praising me. It feels unreal.”
While Richt didn’t give any injury updates in his post-game press conference, several of Miami’s top players were hurt Saturday. Running back
who has been hampered by an ankle injury since Miami’s 52-30 win over Toledo on Sept. 16, left the game late after appearing to injure the ankle again. Offensive lineman
was also hurt on the same play. Receiver
was still struggling with his injured hamstring and was in street clothes on the Miami sideline late, according to WQAM-560.
Special teams and kickers have often been a factor in the Miami-Florida State series and on Saturday, both Hurricanes kickers were solid. Freshman punter averaged 43.6 yards per kick and had a long of 52 yards. Two of his kicks pinned Florida State inside its own 20-yard line. Kicker
who last season had a potential game-tying kick blocked late in the loss to FSU, had a 31-yard field goal and connected on three extra points.
He also had the final tackle of the game, taking down Florida State’s
on the kickoff return after
’s game-winning touchdown.