No. 13 Miami continued its late-season surge with a commanding 38-7 victory over No. 24 Pittsburgh on Saturday, keeping the Hurricanes’ slim hopes for an ACC title game berth alive — at least for a few more hours.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck led the charge, completing 23 of 29 passes for 267 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Beck, a Georgia transfer, set a new program record with a 74.7% completion rate on the season, showcasing the precise and efficient passing that has fueled Miami’s four-game winning streak. He capped the night with a 33-yard strike to CJ Daniels in the final minute, a stylish flourish against a team ranked No. 22 in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings.
The Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2 ACC) needed this win to stay in the mix for the conference championship, though several other results will need to fall their way for a trip to Charlotte next week. More immediately, Miami is focused on bolstering its College Football Playoff resume, which already includes a season-opening victory over No. 6 Notre Dame. Miami’s four straight wins down the stretch have come by an average of 27.5 points, a statement run that could impress the playoff committee.
Miami’s offense was complemented by a standout performance from Malachi Toney, who hauled in 13 passes for 126 yards and connected with Elija Lofton on a 9-yard touchdown in the second quarter. That score gave the Hurricanes a lead they would never relinquish.
Pittsburgh (8-4, 6-2 ACC) arrived with its own ACC championship aspirations but found those hopes dashed in the November chill of Coral Gables. The Hurricanes’ defense relentlessly pressured freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel, who was sacked on the very first play of the game. Heintschel battled through a leg injury sustained late in the first half but finished completing 22 of 32 passes for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Miami’s relentless second-half pressure wore down Pitt’s defense, ensuring the outcome was never in doubt.
With the regular season concluded for both teams, Miami has at least one more game left, though the opponent, location, and stakes are still to be determined. For Pittsburgh, the result marks another bowl appearance under head coach Pat Narduzzi — the eighth in his 11-year tenure.
Miami’s emphatic win over a ranked conference rival not only underscores the Hurricanes’ late-season resurgence but also keeps alive the dream of competing for both an ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
