Tag Archive for: Miami Hurricanes

Miami Sports…are They Becoming Good Again?

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The ever changing Miami sports landscape has been on a steady trend downward since the end of the “Big 3 era” of Miami Heat basketball.

Now there were some amazing moments since then, such as Dwyane Wade’s Last Dance and the Miami Miracle.

Those fleeting instances have been sandwiched between years of mediocrity.

The Marlins tore it all down, again.

The Heat had a bloated, ineffective roster.

We all know where Adam Gase left the Dolphins.

Manny Diaz is trying to bring the Hurricanes back.

Even the Panthers, a team with legitimate playoff aspirations recently, has disappointed.

Expecting anything different has become an annual disappointment.

Until now.

Dolphins Vision Unfolding

All of a sudden there is exciting and competitive football being played by the Miami Dolphins.

Who for once are actually exceeding expectations.

Yet we still aren’t happy.

Brian Flores has steadily guided a team lacking NFL level talent across multiple positions into a disciplined and passionate group.

Flores and his coaching staff are developing players and proving it “Takes No Talent” to compete.

Chris Grier has a war chest of draft capital, and actual capital of about 140M to quickly add top tier free agents.

With a shot at a franchise quarterback to boot.

For once the Dolphins have a plan and the cast to execute and deliver a winner.

Culture Shock

The Miami Heat seem to have figured out their roster around a true star in Jimmy Butler.

And are interesting as hell.

 

Getting back to their defensive identity and bringing back the “Culture” led by Butler has galvanized a young roster.

Currently the Heat rank fourth in defensive rating and third in steals per game (9.6). Miami also ranks in the top ten league wide in points-per-game allowed (105.7, 6th) steals (96, 5th) and overall defensive FG% (.437, 9th).

Smart perimeter defense has been key, the Heat lead the NBA in 3-point FG% allowed at just 28.9%. Only Miami and Oklahoma City are holding teams under 30% from deep as of November 13th.

 

Hassan Whiteside went to Portland which paved the way for Bam Adebayo to become the all around catalyst we see before us. Before being sidelined with a concussion, Justise Winslow was taking a huge step forward as well.

Finally the Heat have a cohesive roster that fits their style of play and identity, in a wide open Eastern Conference the Heat are suddenly poised for a home playoff series if they stay on track.

Cardiac Cats

In Sunrise the Florida Panthers under new coach Joel Quenneville are playing exciting, action packed hockey. Florida has won their last two games by an 11-9 margin…that’s a lot of goals!

After making franchise history with a four goal rally against Boston this week, the Panthers are showing tremendous toughness and resolve in late game pressure situations.

 

In the two wins against Boston and New York the Panthers outscored them 5-0 in the third period. Despite shaky goaltending and defense the Cats have found a way to get it done in the final 20 minutes.

It helps to have a top ten offense on your side, Aleksander Barkov has points in six straight games entering Thursday’s action and the power play continues to dominate.

Florida ranks second with the man advantage, converting 26.8% of their power play opportunities.

If the Panthers can figure out their issues on the blue line and in goal to support a dynamic offense, they have a great chance of making the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-2016 season.

Hurricanes’ Season a Tale of two Teams

The Miami Hurricanes football team has had a polarizing season to say the least.

From quarterback uncertainty and losses against inferior teams early in the year, to blowout wins and record breaking performances – the 2019 Miami Hurricanes have kept fans on the edge of their seats.

After an uneven start to the season on offense, Jarren Williams has settled in as QB1 and hitting the big plays that were missing earlier in the year.

 

The Hurricanes have won three straight in ACC play by a combined margin of 95-49, after starting conference play 1-3 the turnaround has been drastic.

On the other side of the ball the defense has been wrecking house led by new and older names alike.

Senior linebackers Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman have experienced a resurgence of energy and effectiveness.

While Gregory Rousseau went from out of the starting lineup to the best defensive lineman in the ACC, and one of the best in all of college football.

 

The Hurricanes have a star in the making both under center and at defensive end, two of the most important positions in football.

And they are both freshman.

With a coaching staff starting to figure it out and a favorable ACC Coastal division to call home, the sun is shining bright in Coral Gables.

Don’t Forget About us!

While the teams that are in action in November are getting all the attention, there are more great storylines in Miami sports on the way.

The Marlins have quietly built one of the best farm systems in all of baseball.

Oh yeah, we are getting professional soccer too!

We could be saying this time next year “what a time to be a Miami sports fan”

A statement that is well deserved and long overdue.

Follow us on Twitter for all things Miami sports @FiveReasonsSports and @SportsWaveDave.

Photo by Tony Capobianco.

Despite move to TE early in season, Njoku elects to transfer

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Attrition continues for Manny Diaz’s program as redshirt-sophomore Evidence Njoku, who made the switch from wide receiver to tight end earlier this season, has decided to transfer out of the program. Njoku was not present at practice this morning. 

 

“He came to me and said he intends to transfer. He is a good young man and we wish him well wherever he ends up,” coach Manny Diaz added after practice.

Evidence finishes his UM career with one catch for 18 yards. Despite the switch, opportunities for the 6’6” Njoku to see the field were very slim considering the Canes are returning standout Brevin Jordan for at least one more season along with Will Mallory. He had been hoping to follow in the footsteps of many UM tight end greats before him, including his older brother David, who was a first-round draft pick in 2017. 

 

Njoku’s departure now leaves the team with five scholarship tight ends in Jordan, Mallory, Michael Irvin Jr., Brian Polendey, and Larry Hodges. Miami also has at least one more tight end coming in the next recruiting cycle with Naples High’s Dominic Mammarelli currently committed.

 

Jarren Williams, Hurricanes explode, embarrass Louisville

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QB1 wasn’t done at one. Or two. Or three. Or four.

Or even five.

Jarren Williams, who won the Miami Hurricanes’ job in camp, looked impressive early in the season and then regressed as he struggled with a shoulder surgery, announced himself as the present and future of the program in Saturday’s 52-27 demolition of Louisville.

No one has ever thrown as many touchdowns for the Hurricanes in a game.

Not Bernie Kosar, Jim Kelly, Vinny Testaverde, Gino Torretta or even the immortal Kirby Freeman.

Only Deshaun Watson, then of Clemson, has thrown as many touchdowns in an ACC contest.

Sure, Williams’ protection was the best it’s been all season — the best it’s been for any quarterback here in years, actually. And yes, just about every receiver, especially Dee Wiggins, was consistently uncovered. Still, Williams had to make the throws, and did he ever. Again and again, he was on target, poised in the pocket and precise with his passes.

Williams’ brilliance lifted Miami to 6-4 in Manny Diaz’s first season, and 4-3 in the ACC. While the improvement of the overall team is undeniable, it’s still reasonable to wonder where the Hurricanes — now on a three-game win streak — would be if they had simply identified a competent kicker earlier in the season.

DeeJay Dallas and Cam’Ron Harris combined for 158 yards rushing.

Michael Harley and Wiggins combined for four of the touchdowns and more than 200 yards receiving.

Al Blades Jr. had an interception.

But the non-Jarren moment of the game was provided by celebrated underdog walk-on Jimmy Murphy, who recovered a fumble on a punt, tried to eat the turnover chain and broke it as Diaz cheered in the rain.

Miami finishes the regular season against FIU and Duke.  Then there will be a bowl game.

(For more, listen to 5 Rings Canes and Shula Bowl Podcast on the Five Reasons Sports Network. Photos by our Tony Capobianco.)

Rousseau, Hurricanes’ Defense Storm Over FSU 27-10

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The Miami Hurricanes lived up to the hype and the nickname this week, storming into Tallahassee and crushing Florida State 27-10.

Gregory Rousseau was the catalyst of the Hurricanes defense, tallying another FOUR sacks in Tallahassee today.

Rousseau has a ridiculous seven sacks in his last two games and Miami found that attacking style defense which kept FSU off balance all afternoon.

Miami (5-4, 3-3) evened their ACC mark and put on their most complete performance of the season.

Jarren Williams made enough plays when it counted and finished 21-of-37 with a season high 313 yards and two long touchdowns. He continues to hold the ball too long and it hurt, Williams lost a fumble for the lone Miami turnover which gave Florida State some life.

The offensive line played their best game of the season by a mile, helped by quick passes and great blitz pickups by the running backs.

Dan Enos has been under fire for his play calling but dialed up some timely deep shots.

 

Miami was the more aggressive team for once and you could sense they did not want to let Florida State back into it late.

Jeff Thomas had a triumphant return from suspension, finishing with four catches for 64 yards including a 39-yard dime to open the scoring for Miami.

DeeJay Dallas finished with 61 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown, Cam Harris could not get it going today and actually lost five yards on just two carries.

Neither team could manage anything on the ground, Miami finished with just 40 net yards rushing. Florida State was even less effective, Miami shut down star running back Cam Akers most of the day.

Akers managed 66 yards on the ground but it took 22 carries for a paltry 3.0 yard average. He did add three receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown, but the Hurricanes made life tough for the junior running back.

Seminoles quarterback Alex Hornibrook (yeah that guy) was the latest victim of the Hurricanes pass rush which dropped him nine times on the day. Hornibrook managed just 135 yards on 17-of-31 attempts with one touchdown and an interception.

As usual with these two the defenses set the early tone and the game was chippy from the jump.

Both teams were jawing throughout the game, finally Miami came out with energy and fire from the opening whistle.

Manny Diaz (FSU alum) certainly had this game circled on the calendar day one and it showed, his fingerprints were all over the defensive game plan.

Florida State offensive coordinator Kendal Briles dialed up trick play after trick play with little success, Miami was more sound tackling and with assignment football than in recent weeks.

Shaq Quarterman (9 tackles, 3 TFL), Trevon Hall (4 tackles, sack), and Nestor Jade Silvera (6 tackles, sack) were a force for the front seven.

 

Penalties (6/65) and third down (3/15) continue to be a sore spot, but the Hurricanes were able to overcome them with timely efforts on both sides of the ball.

Special teams did their job today, Camden Price did miss one field goal but made his other two and all three extra points. KJ Osborn continues to be a solid and safe punt return option.

Lou Headley had five punts for a 44.8 yard average, including a 65-yard bomb to pin FSU near their goal line.

Miami now has three straight wins over Florida State and will carry a two game winning streak back to Miami Gardens when they host Louisville November 9th.

 

Follow us on Twitter for more Hurricanes coverage @SportsWaveDave and @CaneMaven. Subscribe to the 5 Rings Canes podcast for exclusive Canes content.

Photo by Tony Capobianco.

Miami Hurricanes name Jarren Williams QB1

Defense Responds, Williams Sparks Offense Late. Canes Win, 16-12!

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The Canes came into this game needing to win to keep their season from completely dismantling. While the hopes of playing for the ACC Championship game seem slim, there is still a slight hope that a win today could help build momentum for the rest of the season(we thought that after Virginia also). N’Kosi Perry was named the quarterback late this week ahead of today’s game against the University of Pittsburgh, but it was Jarren Williams who finished it.

Williams was still nursing an upper extremity injury during the week, which apparently led to coach Manny Diaz naming Perry the starter. While many people outside the program continue to call for Perry to remain the starter or even for Tate Martell to get a chance(Martell did not travel with the team due to a medical leave of absence), today’s game showed why Jarren Williams may still be the best option at quarterback for the Canes. Williams showed a lot of toughness on that drive and zip on the touchdown throw for the game-winning score. If you ask me, I think that the shoulder looks fine.

That Was Ugly

It was an ugly win. The offense for 90 percent of the game was atrocious, but 10 percent was all we needed. The biggest play of the afternoon came when Jarren Williams replaced the struggling N’Kosi Perry and led them down the field and threw a 32-yard touchdown strike to KJ Osborn with less than a minute remaining on the clock in the fourth quarter.

Perry’s stat line does not look very good. He finished 10/24 for 104 yards and an interception. Williams came in for the final 2 drives and finished the day 4/8 for 50 yards including the 32-yard touchdown pass to Osborn. Osborn had a solid game finishing with 6 catches for 94 yards and the touchdown grab.

The only other guy on offense that was productive was Cam Harris, who always runs hard. He finished the game with 16 carries for 60 yards and a score. The absence of Deejay Dallas was sorely felt. The Canes hope to have him back next week.

The Defense Responds

The defense responded in a big way today, with what I believe was their best game of the season. They made big plays when they needed to and held Pitt to just 12 points on 4 field goals. Defensive end Gregory Rousseau continues to dominate for the Canes. He finished the game with 7 total tackles and 3 sacks!

The big bounceback of the game was unquestionably the play of DJ Ivey. After multiple blunders last week against Georgia Tech, including the complete whiff on the receiver during the fake punt that resulted in a touchdown, Ivey picked off the Pitt quarterback twice! He finished with 2 tackles and the 2 interceptions.

Others that played well on defense were Jon Ford, Pat Bethel, Bubba Bolden with a forced fumble and Gurvan Hall with the fumble recovery. Shaq Quarterman also had a very good game, finishing the afternoon with 12 total tackles. Guys were having fun on the sidelines today.

The Price is Right

Did the Canes find a kicker in walk-on third-string kicker Camden Price? It seems like it. Price connected on both of his kicks and as sad as this sounds, looked really good doing so. Both kicks were nothing out of this world, but the way our kicking has been, this kid looked like an All-American doing it. He connected on a 22-yard field and an extra point. Price has a strong leg and looks to be kicking with confidence. We all have seen what a lack of confidence can do to a kicker.

FSU Week is Here

Now, it’s rivalry week. It’s FSU week! The Canes go to Tallahassee to face FSU next Saturday. Game time should be announced soon. Look for it to be either a 3:30 pm or 7:30 pm start. More info as the week progresses.

 

Follow us for all your Canes info at @CaneMaven. You can also follow Jazz Santana for Canes and 5 Reason Sports news and info at @jazzsantana.

Check out the @5Rings_Canes podcast for all your Canes insider info and recruiting news!

Miami Hurricanes stifle Virginia Cavaliers, 17-9

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Manny Diaz took more ownership of the Miami Hurricanes’ defense Friday night.

It seemed to have an impact.

Miami kept Virginia — which came in averaging more than 30 points per game — out of the end zone, winning 17-9 and getting back in the ACC Coastal mix. The defensive dominance was necessary, because it took N’Kosi Perry and the offense some time to get going, with the fill-in quarterback finishing the scoring with a keeper.

“I had more players to throw to,” Perry said of that scramble. “But I saw the hole and I had to take advantage of it.”

Perry added that “I felt like we stayed together the entire time. And we trusted each other… Everyone was communicating more than normal. Everyone’s intensity was more than normal.”

Perry was 16 of 27 for 182 yards with a touchdown, and Deejay Dallas (photo by Tony Capobianco) had 63 yards on 13 carries, and a touchdown receiving.

Here were some of the tweets that told the story:

 

Hurricanes Must Play to Potential and Beat Virginia

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The Miami Hurricanes faced the 20th ranked Virginia Cavaliers under the Friday night lights at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami is on a downward trajectory with a 2-3 record overall and are winless in two ACC contests.

Despite being unranked the Hurricanes enter the game as a slight favorite even though Virginia sits at 4-1 (2-0), their only defeat was at No. 10 Notre Dame 35-20 last weekend.

Virginia has one solid win on their 2019 resume so far, a 30-14 victory to open the season at Pitt. Their other ACC win came against a bad Florida State team three weeks ago.

Miami has yet to play a complete game and finish – whether it is sacks, penalties, or missed field goals they are finding ways to lose.

Where Miami has an advantage is on run defense against a suspect Virginia ground game which ranks 116th in college football. One of the few strengths of the Hurricanes on defense has been their run defense which ranks 7th nationally.

Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins is a dual threat and the Miami linebackers must do a better job of tackling in space to contain him when he gets outside the pocket.

Like the Hurricanes, Virginia’s offensive line is a sieve having allowed 15 sacks in five games.

Notre Dame dropped Perkins eight times last week, if the Miami pass rush has a chance to shine this is the week to do so.

Manny Diaz stated he would be getting more involved with the defense moving forward. They need to pick up the blitzing from the last couple of years when Diaz was defensive coordinator.

A retooled secondary has been exposed against mediocre quarterbacks and needs some help from the front seven.

Miami only has three interceptions all season, turnovers change momentum and give a sometimes listless defense life.

The “Turnover Chain” has not made many meaningful appearances this year

N’Kosi Perry steps back into the starting quarterback spot after Jarren Williams was sidelined with an upper extremity injury. Perry almost led a ferocious comeback against Virginia Tech, perhaps some of that momentum can carry over against the Cavaliers.

Virginia has a solid run defense of their own (15th) but did allow Tony Jones, Jr. of the Fighting Irish to rack up 131 yards and three touchdowns on just 18 carries (7.3 YPC).

Dan Enos must stick with DeeJay Dallas even if the big runs aren’t there early. We documented the questionable play calling and run/pass ratio against Virginia Tech which put a heavy burden on Williams in that game.

Perry could use some balance from the running game to help open up opportunities in the air.

Last year Perry had a game to forget against Virginia, being benched after completing just 3-of-6 attempts and two interceptions. Miami would like nothing more than to avenge that 16-13 defeat which began a four game losing streak.

Follow us on Twitter @SportsWaveDave and @CaneMaven.

Make sure to check out the 5 Rings Canes podcast for exclusive Miami Hurricanes content all year long. Image by Tony Capobianco
 

Miami Hurricanes: Should They Lock up the Chain?

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The Miami Hurricanes suffered a demoralizing defeat at the hands of Virginia Tech Saturday 42-35 in front of a stunned crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.

Should the Hurricanes lock up the “Turnover Chain” and touchdown rings until they start locking up wins?

A furious comeback including 21 points in the final quarter was not enough. Miami fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in ACC play and will face an even tougher challenge when Virginia comes calling next weekend.

Jarren Williams came back to earth with a resounding thud against an opportunistic Bud Foster led defense. The long-time defensive coordinator is retiring after 33 seasons on the sidelines, but had one last knife twist for an old foe.

Williams went full Malik Rosier, hitting the bench after throwing three interceptions in the first half. Good news for Williams is that none of his seven pass attempts hit the ground, the other four were completed to the good guys.

For a grand total of 47 yards.

Miami fell down 28-0 early in the first half before N’ Kosi Perry did his best to salvage the game after replacing Williams but it was too little, too late. Perry finished with a career high 422 yards, completing 28 of 47 attempts with four TD and one pick.

Despite this effort Manny Diaz hinted that Williams would return to the starting role next week in his post game press conference.

Once again the Hurricanes running game was underutilized against a vulnerable Virginia Tech run defense.

DeeJay Dallas finished with just 66 yards on six carries, including a 62 yard run to put Miami in a position to take a late lead and steal the victory. Yet Dan Enos refused to call his number early when Williams was throwing the ball to the wrong team.

 

Put Away the Props

 

Manny Diaz brought the Turnover Chain to the program in 2017 and for a time the prop seemed to propel the defense. The Hurricanes added “Touchdown Rings” to the mix this year to balance things out.

Problem is, celebrating a score with prop jewelry when you are getting waxed rings hollow.

The great Miami Hurricanes teams didn’t need gimmicks, they knew they were better and just proved it week after week.

Miami lost the turnover battle 5-0 against Virginia Tech, if they would have snatched a couple chains early perhaps the momentum would swing back to the team in orange.

Virginia Tech has a beat up lunch box on the sidelines with a simple moniker: WIN. They packed a lunch today, and stole our lunch money in the process.

Until this Miami Hurricanes team learns the basics of winning football and stops making constant mental mistakes, the ice needs to be put on ice.

Bubba Baxa failed to make an extra point which would have put Miami up 36-35, another glaring miscue in a close game.

Get that man a platinum pinky ring next time he makes a clutch kick under 30 yards..

The offensive line is an abomination, giving up another seven sacks and allowing some crushing shots to Perry.

Maybe they should get an iced out watch so they know the snap count.

 

Miami Hurricanes beat (?) Central Michigan, 17-12

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What is it about this field and the Hurricanes?

After the Miami Dolphins lost their first two games at Hard Rock Stadium by a combined 102-10, the Miami Hurricanes — the team that isn’t tanking — couldn’t possibly do anything that would be more disappointing, right?

Well….

The Hurricanes needed an interception by Al Blades Jr. to beat Central Michigan, 17-12.

Now they’re 2-2. But the record isn’t the point. It’s the way they’re playing. Thirteen penalties. No push in the running game. Few sustained drives. Relying on the defense to save them, even with Jarren Williams continuing to play well.

And after the game, the players seemed oddly happy about it.

Is this where we are as a football town?

Central Michigan?

Here are the tweets of note from the game….

The Miami Hurricanes were probably the only team in Miami with a realistic shot to a National Championship before the season started. But now… Who knows. 

However. Do not sleep on them. They can still make it to a great bowl – or not -, in the first year of the Manny Diaz era. We have the most complete coverage of the team. That is for sure, guys. 

If you want it in Spanish, we can also do that. Follow our Cinco Razones guys. And enjoy… 

There are still eight more games to be played… Go Canes!

Jimmy Murphy scores against BCC

Canes Start Slow, Win Big 63-0!

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It’s hard not to lead with the feel-good story of the night. When you struggle to find the words to describe what “The New Miami” means, look no further than 5 foot 7 inch, 185 pounds, redshirt senior running back Jimmy Murphy. The Avon, Connecticut native scored late after the game was well in hand and got himself a nice 15-yard penalty for excessive celebration by doing a crazy front flip. But as defensive lineman Pat Bethel said, he’ll gladly run a gasser for Jimmy’s penalty.

Dr. Murphy!

He is what every Miami Hurricane football player should strive to be. Guys like Bethel and Deejay Dallas and others mentioned how Murphy is the heartbeat of this team and a leader in the locker room. The touchdown was the first of Murphy’s career, but if you ask Manny Diaz, it may not be his last.

With Mark Richt retiring after last season, Murphy was unsure about his future with the team. He didn’t know if knew head coach Manny Diaz would renew his scholarship. In the post-game conference, he mentions how he called Diaz and let him know that he wanted to continue to be a Hurricane and if he would renew his scholarship. Diaz did. Murphy plans on attending medical school once the season is over. That’s the guy I want as my doctor! Cane Maven wishes him well.

Oh yeah, there was also the rest of the game. I honestly don’t want to spend too much time on it, because let’s be honest, it was Bethune Cookman. No disrespect to them, but the Canes did exactly what they needed to do.
After a slow start in the first quarter, the Hurricanes finally put it together and completely dominated Bethune Cookman across the board. If you caught my pre-game preview with Larry Blustein, I mentioned that I wanted to see dominance in all 3 areas: offense, defense, and special teams.

Oh Bubba, ST Struggles

The Canes completely dominated on offense, led by another solid performance by Jarren Williams. He finished the day 19/24 for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns. Deejay Dallas had another fantastic game rushing for 108 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The defense did exactly what they were supposed to do. They pitched a shutout. Robert Knowles played well along with Gurvan Hall and a few others. They held Bethune Cookman to 137 total yards – 76 passing and 61 on the ground.

Then there are special teams. They didn’t look very special once again. Bubba Baxa misses another chip shot from 30 yards as the kicking woes continue with him. He is now 4/8 on field goals this year. Camden Price came in late in the game for a PAT. Will the Canes make a change or continue to ride with Baxa?

Pope Breaks Out

I also mentioned how we needed this game to be a confidence builder for the team. I wanted to see a few guys who have started the season off slow to build some momentum and confidence. The perfect example was wide receiver Mark Pope, who had his breakout game, catching 3 balls for 92 yards. He would later leave the game with an apparent leg injury. There is no further information on that just yet.
This game was also a great opportunity for players who don’t usually play much, to get some much-needed reps. you never know when you may need them. It was great to see kids like Robert Burns and Jeremiah Payton get some good playing time. Tight end Larry Hodges made the most of his extended playing tonight, catching both passes thrown his way for two touchdowns.

Next up are the Central Michigan Chippewas next Saturday, 4 p.m. at home.
 
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Go Canes!