By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/Ethan Horner-The Mojo Network)
The Miami Hurricanes are coming off their first loss of the season after falling to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-24 this past Saturday night. It was a game in which the Canes battled until the very end but ultimately came up just short.
Miami found itself in a 24-3 hole but showed plenty of fight, putting together a comeback to cut the deficit to 24-17. Unfortunately, quarterback Darian Mensah threw an interception that the Notre Dame offense was able to capitalize on, extending the Irish lead to two scores. However, the Hurricanes weren't going down without a fight, responding with a touchdown of their own to make it a 31-24 game.
The Miami defense came up with a crucial stop to get the ball back into the hands of the offense, giving the Hurricanes one more opportunity to tie the game. With just three minutes remaining, Miami faced a fourth-and-six at the Notre Dame 18-yard line. Mensah delivered a pass toward the left side of the end zone to Elijah Lofton in what appeared to be a potential game-tying touchdown, but the pass was ruled incomplete by inches.
Regardless of the outcome, it was an incredible throw by Mensah with the game on the line and a chance to keep Miami's comeback hopes alive.
The Hurricanes will now return home this weekend to take on the 7-2 Duke Blue Devils. This matchup comes with plenty of storylines, starting with Duke head coach Manny Diaz, who previously served as Miami's head coach. There's also the added drama surrounding quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate, both of whom transferred from Duke to Miami this offseason in a move that certainly made headlines.
Miami will be looking to bounce back in a big way after a painful loss to its rival. I expect a big performance from the former Dukies as they return to face their old team, looking to make a statement and silence any doubters following Saturday night's loss.
One thing is certain: There's no shortage of motivation heading into this weekend's matchup.