By : Sammy Corsa
(Photo/Sammy Corsa-The Mojo Network)
The Hurricanes (#12) closed out their season with complete dominance,
rolling past Pitt (#22) in a decisive ACC matchup with a 10-2 finish that
keeps hopes for a playoff run alive.
Miami came into the final week with one goal in mind: make a statement
and show the committee why they still deserve consideration. You could feel
it early, Miami wasn’t just playing to win, they were playing to prove a point.
They backed that up immediately, holding Pitt to just seven points all
afternoon.
Miami’s offense had a day, piling up 416 total yards, and keeping the
Panthers’ defense off balance from the start. Freshman Malachi Toney stole
the show, hauling in 13 passes for 126 yards, and a touchdown, adding 30
rushing yards, and even tossing a 9-yard touchdown pass. It was a complete
performance from a player Miami can lean on as they push toward the
postseason.
On the other side, Miami’s defense dominated the Panthers all afternoon.
The Hurricanes dropped Pitt for four sacks and six tackles-for-loss, including
standout efforts from Rueben Bain Jr. and Ahmad Moten (1.5 sacks each),
with freshman standout Bryce Fitzgerald turning in a monster day of his
own, recording an interception, sack, a TFL, and a pass breakup. Pitt
couldn’t get anything going on the ground, held to just 30 rushing yards,
while its passing attack was under constant duress and limited to 199 yards.
Miami’s defense turned what should’ve been a competitive ACC matchup into
a one-sided statement.
Miami walks out of the regular season at 10-2, playing its best football these
last few weeks. Whether the committee rewards them with a playoff spot or
not, the Hurricanes have made their case with a dominant finish and a roster
full of rising playmakers. If this is the version of Miami that shows up in the postseason, they’re going to be a problem for whoever lines up across from them.