The Miami Hurricanes took down the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Friday night, besting them 33-20 following a record-setting performance from quarterback Darian Mensah.
With its third-consecutive win to start the season, Miami is red-hot, but still has some issues that need to be addressed before its marquee matchup against No. 3 Notre Dame on Nov. 7. Here’s what we learned from Friday night’s game.
Darian Mensah should be the Heisman frontrunner
In his first two games, the star transfer threw more touchdowns than incompletions. Against the Demon Deacons, the same pattern held true.
Mensah picked apart Wake’s defense with unparalleled accuracy and decision making, connecting on his first 24 passes, setting the ACC record for most consecutive completions.
His first miss didn’t occur until well into the third quarter, helping him to a night completing 30 of 34 throws with three touchdowns and 220 yards in the air.
Through three games, Mensah has 873 yards, zero interceptions, and is tied for second in the country in passing touchdowns with 11. His efficiency has also been elite, posting a 229.1 passer rating, good for third in the country.
His strong start to the year and record-setting numbers have him in pole position for the Heisman trophy three weeks into the year.
The defensive backfield needs some improvement
Dealing with injuries to corners O.J. Frederique, Xavier Lucas, and Ja’Boree Antoine, Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lucas sought out Miami’s weakened secondary, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite its early lead, Miami allowed the Demon Deacons to garner 13 second-half points and move the ball up and down the field with relative ease.
But when push came to shove, the Canes stood strong, and held up with four-straight defensive stops to end the game, including the team’s first takeaway of the season on Ethan O’Connor’s game-sealing interception.
With Miami’s top defensive backs out for the foreseeable future, it poses a weakness that defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman will have to address sooner rather than later.
Malachi Toney is Miami’s most dynamic player on either side of the ball
The sophomore wide out once again had a huge night against the Demon Deacons.
Toney exploded for 12 grabs, 114 yards and his fifth touchdown of the season. He’s currently second in the nation in yards and receptions and fourth in touchdowns.
On offense, you can tell when the Hurricanes need a play, he is the guy — Toney simply has a knack for finding the ball whenever he is needed most.
After potentially injuring himself snagging a six-yard catch from Mensah, the star wideout spent the second half coming on the field only on third down. His presence was visibly missed, as the Canes offense that totaled 303 yards in the first half put up just 75 in the last two quarters.
His impact and importance to this Miami team cannot be overstated. The Hurricanes are not the same team when he is not on the field.
If he keeps up this pace, he’ll be right in the Heisman Trophy running with his quarterback counterpart.
