By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
CLEMSON, S.C. — The No. 4 Miami Hurricanes walked into Death Valley on Saturday night and left with one of their most impressive wins of the season.
Miami defeated Clemson 41-13, dominating the Tigers on both sides of the ball and pulling away in the second half. The Hurricanes' defense constantly pressured Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds, while the Miami rushing attack took over late in the game.
Clemson received the opening kickoff, with Chris Johnson, a former Miami Hurricane, returning the kick 42 yards. The Tigers were unable to do anything with the strong field position, as Miami's defense forced a three-and-out.
The Hurricanes needed just one play to get on the scoreboard.
Darian Mensah found Cooper Barkate on a screen pass, and Barkate took it 61 yards for a touchdown to give Miami an early 7-0 lead.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds avoided another three-and-out on the Tigers' next possession when he escaped the pocket and found Tyler Brown for a 14-yard gain on third-and-8. Miami eventually forced another punt, with Marquise Lightfoot recording a sack that helped put Clemson in a third-and-long situation.
Clemson's defense answered by getting to Mensah on third down. Andy Burburija recorded a huge sack on third-and-5, forcing Miami to settle for a field goal and a 10-0 lead.
The Tigers finally got on the board late in the opening quarter after putting together a 47-yard drive. Nolan Hauser connected on a 48-yard field goal to cut Miami's lead to 10-3.
Miami responded early in the second quarter.
Mensah escaped the pocket and ran 34 yards for a touchdown, extending the Hurricanes' lead to 17-3. It was Mensah's second straight game with a rushing touchdown.
The two defenses continued trading stops, but Miami's defensive front continued to make life difficult for Reynolds. Damon Wilson recorded an eight-yard sack on third down to force another Clemson punt.
Miami appeared to extend its lead when Mensah found Malachi Toney for a 58-yard touchdown, but the play was wiped away because of an illegal shift. The Hurricanes were forced to punt.
Clemson then put together its best drive of the first half. Reynolds made several plays with his arm and legs, including a 21-yard completion to Bryan Wesco Jr. on third-and-16 after Herbert Scroggins III had sacked him on the previous play.
The Tigers eventually reached the Miami 1-yard line, but a false start backed Clemson up and created a third-and-6. Wilson came through once again, getting to Reynolds for another sack and forcing Clemson to settle for a field goal as time expired.
Miami entered halftime with a 17-6 lead.
Reynolds had already attempted 31 passes, while Miami's defense had recorded five sacks. Mensah led the Hurricanes in rushing with 33 yards, while Toney had three catches for 20 yards.
Miami opened the second half with the ball, but the Hurricanes were unable to extend their lead on their first possession. Miami went for it on fourth-and-2 from the Clemson 39-yard line, but Ashton Hampton broke up Mensah's pass intended for Malachi Toney. The throw came in behind Toney, giving Clemson the ball back.
The Tigers took advantage and put together a strong drive, moving the ball down to the Miami 18-yard line. Clemson decided to go for it on fourth-and-2, but Chase Smith came up with a big stop to turn the ball over on downs.
Miami then put together one of its best drives of the night.
The Hurricanes converted a fourth-and-1 when Toney made a difficult catch in traffic for a three-yard gain. Miami continued moving the ball and eventually completed a 14-play, 83-yard scoring drive to extend its lead to 24-6.
Miami's defense struck again on Clemson's next possession.
Ahmad Moten forced a fumble from Reynolds on Clemson's first play, and the Hurricanes recovered at the Clemson 27-yard line.
Miami was forced to take a field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 27-6
Reynolds connected with Wesco Jr. on a 55-yard completion that brought the Tigers deep into Miami territory. Clemson finished the drive with a touchdown to cut the Hurricanes' lead to 27-13.
Any chance of a comeback ended quickly.
Miami responded with a nine-play, 62-yard scoring drive that relied almost entirely on the ground game. Fletcher Jr. finished the drive with his second touchdown of the night, giving Miami a 34-13 lead with just over six minutes remaining.
The Hurricanes' rushing attack had completely taken over the game by that point.
Miami's defense then put the finishing touches on the win when JJ Dunigan intercepted Reynolds and returned the pick 39 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 41-13.
Wilson finished with 2.5 sacks as Miami's defensive front consistently pressured Reynolds throughout the night.
Mensah finished 18-of-27 passing for 227 yards and two total touchdowns. Mark Fletcher Jr. carried the ball 16 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns, while Barkate led Miami through the air with five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Miami's defense also recorded six sacks and forced two turnovers, helping the Hurricanes remain unbeaten on the season.
The 41-13 victory gives Miami a dominant road win over one of the ACC's premier programs and keeps the Hurricanes undefeated at 5-0.
The Hurricanes controlled the game from beginning to end and showed that they can win with both their offense and defense when the stakes are high.