On September 7, 2024, the Miami Hurricanes had their home opener at Hard Rock Stadium. The No. 12 Hurricanes defeated Florida A&M 56-9 to establish their superiority and give the reserve players plenty of playing experience. Once again, quarterback Cam Ward was outstanding. He ran for a touchdown in addition to throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Mark Fletcher and Damien Martinez, two running backs, each added a touchdown to the total. With 10 tackles for loss, five sacks (three by Tennessee transfer Tyler Baron), three interceptions, and five pass breakups, the defense was unrelenting.
Mario Cristobal, the head coach of UM, stressed that the game was more significant than only the result. “We managed our affairs,” Cristobal stated, but he was eager to emphasize the more extensive advantages of the crush, especially the opportunity it gave younger players to obtain important experience. He started substituting in backup players early in the second quarter, and by the time the third quarter came to a close and Miami was up 46–9, the starters had been rested.
Cristobal emphasized the importance of game reps by stating, “Repetition is the key to success.” That is impossible to duplicate in meetings or practice. His strategy worked, since several backups contributed significantly. Defensive lineman Justin Scott had his first career sack, running back Jordan Lyle—who turned 19 on game day—scored his first touchdown, and wide outs Ny Car and Joshisa “JoJo” Trader each made their first catches. All of these true freshmen made an impression. Linebacker Cam Pruitt recorded an interception and a pass breakup, while defensive back Zaquan Patterson recorded two tackles and a pass breakup.
It’s great getting in there, learning from the veterans, and working on the playbook,” Lyle said of the opportunity. The beginning lineup’s impressive showing provided the foundation for Backups are scheduled to take center stage. After a quick touchdown from linebacker Wesley Bissainthe’s interception early in the game, Miami jumped out to a 25–6 lead at the half. After scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions of the second half, they carried on their offensive assault and rested the starters for the remainder of the game.
The success of the evening was heightened by Ward’s outstanding performance, which included becoming the first quarterback in Miami history to throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in his first two starts. Lyle’s touchdown signaled the effort of the backups, who were headed by quarterback Reese Poffenbarger, an Albany transfer, in keeping the momentum going.
Other notable events included tight end Elijah Arroyo’s first score since 2021 and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo’s four catches for 104 yards, which surpassed Allen Hurns and Andre Johnson in Miami’s lifetime receiving yards record. Martinez’s touchdown was also his first at Miami following his Oregon State transfer. “The only thing that matters really to us is if you get a win,” as Ward put it so plainly. By all means, you had a good day if you win.
It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane… Lers go Canes.. The team is playing phenomenal football.. Keep up the good work!!