Despite losing by multiple digits in their first two ACC games, the Miami Hurricanes have managed to remain unblemished. In an alternate scenario, they may be 4-2 with a disastrous 0-2 start in conference play, having suffered major losses to Virginia Tech and California. Such a reality would swiftly put an end to any notion of Miami as one of the best programs this season.
However, that’s far from the truth. In both games, Miami clawed back from 10-point-plus deficits to secure dramatic, albeit contentious, wins. Against Virginia Tech, they overcame a 34-24 hole late in the third quarter, and against Cal, they rallied from a daunting 38-18 fourth-quarter deficit. The Hurricanes have shown that counting them out too soon is a mistake. Much of this resilience comes from their remarkable second-half turnarounds, having struggled with mistakes and turnovers in the early stages of each game. Quarterback Cam Ward, who often tries to force plays, has learned to adapt, reducing his mistakes as the games progress.
In the second half against Virginia Tech, Miami had four drives. While the first ended in an interception deep in Hokies territory, the final three all resulted in touchdowns. Similarly, in the second half against Cal, after starting with an interception that was returned for a touchdown and a punt, the Hurricanes closed with four touchdowns and a game-sealing kneel-down.
Ward and this Miami team don’t back down, even when things look bleak. They seem to thrive under pressure, delivering their best performances when the game is on the line. The defense also stepped up, tightening in both games. After giving up big plays early, they limited Virginia Tech to just 10 points on five drives in the second half, and held Cal to 10 second-half points as well, with one of Cal’s touchdowns coming off a Ward pick-six. Miami put up 29 second-half points against Cal, defying a 98.9% ESPN win probability that favored the Golden Bears.
This Miami squad can be described in many ways: relentless, legitimate, contenders. But above all, they’ve shown they are resilient through the early ACC stretch.
