In yet another thrilling comeback performance, No. 5 Miami Hurricanes stormed past Duke with a dominant 53-31 victory on Saturday, keeping their undefeated season intact. Led by Heisman Trophy hopeful Cameron Ward, who threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns, Miami erased a double-digit deficit for the third time this season. Three of Ward’s touchdown passes found star receiver Xavier Restrepo, and the duo made history as they continued their standout season.
Trailing 28-17 in the third quarter, the Hurricanes (9-0, 5-0 ACC) once again demonstrated their resilience, closing out the game on a 36-3 scoring spree. Ward’s performance was record-setting, tying Miami legend Steve Walsh’s single-season record of 29 touchdown passes, a mark set back in 1988. The record-tying pass was a 66-yard strike to Restrepo with 7:36 left in the game, a play that will be remembered as one of the highlights of Miami’s 2024 campaign.
Restrepo’s own achievements were equally historic. His three touchdowns helped him break multiple records; his 66-yard score allowed him to tie Mike Harley’s Miami career receptions record with his 182nd catch and break Santana Moss’ career receiving yardage record, now reaching 2,573 yards. Restrepo and Ward’s chemistry has been a consistent game-changer for Miami, and their combined efforts have propelled the Hurricanes through nail-biting comebacks this season.
For Duke (6-3, 2-3 ACC), quarterback Maalik Murphy had a strong performance, throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns, but struggled with turnovers. Murphy threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, which ultimately allowed Miami to capitalize on Duke’s mistakes. Wide receiver Sahmir Hagans was a standout for the Blue Devils, recording nine catches for 139 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Miami’s high-powered offense.
Duke’s coach Manny Diaz, facing Miami for the first time since his departure in 2021, nearly secured what would have been Duke’s first victory over a top-five opponent since 1960. After spotting Miami an early 14-0 lead, the Blue Devils went on a 28-3 run, briefly taking control of the game. However, as they have all season, the Hurricanes clawed their way back. Over six second-half drives, Miami scored five touchdowns, turning a close contest into a blowout and sealing yet another comeback victory.
Miami’s resilience has been on display multiple times this season. Against Virginia Tech, they overcame three separate 10-point deficits, including one in the fourth quarter, to win 38-34. Just a week later, they staged an even more dramatic rally, overturning a 25-point third-quarter deficit to defeat California 39-38. Saturday’s game showed once again why this Miami team, led by Ward and Restrepo, has earned its top-five ranking.
The Hurricanes will now look to stay undefeated as they prepare to face Georgia Tech on November 9. With Ward and Restrepo rewriting the record books and their team showing a flair for the dramatic, Miami’s push for an ACC title and a shot at the national championship remains alive and well.
