The efforts of the No. 20 Hurricanes volleyball team (5-1) were no match for the Ohio State Buckeyes (4-2) as they faced a 3-0 upset in their opening game of the Sports Imports Classic Tournament on Friday evening in Columbus, Ohio.
Miami’s staggering 11 service errors and .078 hitting percentage were enough to hand them their first loss of the season in the form of a clean sweep. This comes as a shocker after their huge win over NCAA champion Texas at the Texas Invitational last Saturday.
Although the first set of the match seemed promising for Miami with powerful kills from outside hitters Flormarie Heredia Colon, Grace Lopez, and Ava Carney, the team’s errors took away any chances for a potential comeback.
After a difficult first set filled with miscommunication, attack errors, and service errors, the Buckeyes saw their chance to win and never looked back. They finished both the first and second sets with a score of 25-21.
One obvious obstacle for the Hurricanes was 6’3” Ohio State outside hitter Emily Londot, who tallied 16 kills, 13 digs, and five aces to help seal the win for her team. She finished the night scoring 22.5 total points, and her active presence on the court dominated the game.
Miami Head Coach Jose “Keno” Gandara fought to the bitter end from the bench, challenging calls up until the very end of the third set, but his efforts were to no avail. Ohio was able to capitalize on their success in the third set, where they showed no mercy to the Hurricanes and secured the victory with a final score of 25-16.
Wright State and Buffalo on Sept. 14 and 15, respectively are up next on the tournament schedule for the ‘Canes.
Sabrina Carpenter said on her song “Nonsense” that she and other popular artists “woke up this [summer], thought [they’d] write a pop hit.” She couldn’t have been more right.
Fans of all types of music had something to sing this summer. Check out these hits to find your new favorite.
Charli XCX Embarks on a “brat” Summer
Notorious for her sound that separates her from many of this decade’s mainstream artists, British singer Charli XCX makes waves overseas with “brat.”The album is primarily hyperpop, like her preceding works.
“Apple,” “Guess featuring Billie Eilish” and “Girl, so confusing featuring Lorde” became notable tracks on the project.
The album became a trendsetter due to its iconic cover: an unadorned lime green background with “brat” pasted on top. It sparked the commencement of brat summer– a grungy, chaotic, party aesthetic.
Unaffiliated businesses began mimicking the cover on social media. It even made its way to Presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Gracie Abrams’ Secret is Safe with Us
A gentle rasp and an acoustic guitar is all Gracie Abrams needed to make an iconic album. The singer-songwriter has surged in popularity following her opening for Taylor Swift on the famous Eras Tour.
With similar heartbreak ballads and love songs, fans of Swift gravitated towards Abrams’ new album, “The Secret of Us.” “Close to You,” “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Risk” became her top hits.
Camila Cabello’s Lyrical Letter to her Fans
Hyper-pop, hip-hop, and autotune: these were some of the more notable genres and stylistic choices made on Camila Cabello’s fourth album, “C, XOXO.” Her albumis an experimental piece. Fans need to listen with an open mind, since it varies greatly from her more romantic, pop-driven past in music.
“I Luv It” featuring Playboi Carti was a controversial choice for a lead single. Since it….It grew on fans and made more sense within the context of the rest of the album.
Other features on the album include Drake, Lil Nas X and a subtle sample of fellow Miami-native Pitbull’s “Hotel Room Service” on the backing track of “B.O.A.T.”
Zach Bryan Brings Country to Gen Z
When people think of popular music in this generation, chances are country doesn’t come to mind. Zach Bryan defies the odds.
With singles that have made rounds through the Billboard charts, his latest album, “The Great American Bar Scene,”followed the same pattern.
The album earned its spot at number one on multiple Billboard charts. “Pink Skies” and “I Remember Everything” featuring Kacey Musgraves began trending on Tiktok and Instagram
Sabrina Carpenter’s New Era is Sweeter Than Ever
Pop music fans accepted her long-awaited album. The upbeat, drive-to-the-beach vibe of “Short n’ Sweet” started with her hit lead singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
Some songs are more melodic and fun, like “Good Graces,” “Juno” and promotional single “Taste.” “Lie to Girls,” “Dumb and Poetic” and “Don’t Smile” are more reflective and vulnerable, but still backed by an exciting beat to stay on track with the album’s vibe.
The thrill of expecting new songs and albums will carry through autumn. Fans of Kendrick Lamar are among those readying for a record. His hit summer song “Not Like Us” paves the way for album six.
Shawn Mendes fans are preparing for his fifth album, “Shawn.” His singles “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough” tease the first peak of the upcoming record set to debut on Oct. 18.
Chappell Roan, a newly-famed sensation of the summer, has many excited for all that the future has in store, including her debut to the VMAs stage on Sept. 11.
The list goes on. Stay tuned for more new music from your favorite artists in the months to come.
In a dramatic showdown that saw the Miami Hurricanes’ soccer team fall just short, No. 2 Virginia capitalized on a late surge to score two decisive goals in the final 13 minutes, handing Miami a heart-wrenching defeat.
“I am absolutely gutted for our group tonight as the scoreline will not reflect our intensity,” said Head Coach Ken Masuhr to Miami Athletics.
The game was explosive from the beginning, with possession constantly shifting, but Virginia scored an early goal off a free kick 8 minutes into the match. However, this did little to shake keeper Gray Willson’s focus; she quickly rebounded by making an incredible save on a penalty kick minutes later.
Miami’s composition and focus allowed for a breakthrough in the 41st minute–on their 6th corner of the night, Tori Grambo crossed the ball for Crosby Nicholson waiting on the back door, where she scored a beautiful header straight to the back of the net. The goal was Nicholson’s first goal of the season, and only the second goal Virginia has allowed all season.
The Cavaliers sprung back into action though, but not fast enough–a late free kick led Willson to an incredible save in the danger zone with 18 seconds left in the half.
The two teams went into halftime knotted at 1-1.
As Virginia has been a proficient goal scoring team, Miami’s ability to hold them to one goal in the first half is a testament to their skill. The ‘Canes defense was compact and solid; when they lost possession of the ball they pushed players back behind it to stay one step in front of Virginia the entire half.
Miami entered the second half aggressively, coming off strong with the energy from their late first half equalizer.
With more impressive play from both teams and several quality opportunities, it wasn’t until the 77th minute that the tie was broken–Virginia scored, retaking their lead, then extended it by scoring again 2 minutes later.
11 minutes later, the final whistle was called, and the ‘Canes essentially came up short to the Cavaliers. Miami played a fierce game till the end on both the offensive and defensive sides, logging three shots on goal, nine in total, while Virginia totaled seven on goal, 18 in total.
Miami hopes to bounce back from this narrow defeat next week as they return to Cobb Stadium on Thursday, September 19, hosting SMU at 7 p.m.
For the first time in fifteen years, the Miami Hurricanes are a top ten team in college football two games into the season. And yet, they remain focused on the task at hand: winning one game at a time. With the Ball State Cardinals coming to town on Saturday, Head Coach Mario Cristobal is not playing down the Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent.
“[Miami’s] been preparing for a veteran offensive team but a very talented defensive team in Ball State,” Coach Cristobal told reporters at his weekly press conference. “They do a lot of good stuff and they have a lot of good players, so we’re looking forward to our opportunity this Saturday.”
The Hurricanes put on a clinic on both sides of the ball last week in the home opener at Hard Rock Stadium, where they torched the Florida A&M Rattlers, 56-9. Star quarterback and Heisman candidate Cam Ward threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns as well as rushing for a score. Fifth-year senior Xavier Restrepo had over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. But perhaps the most impressive part of the victory this past weekend was the defensive dominance.
Tyler Baron, the transfer from the University of Tennessee, bullied the Rattlers’ offensive line, accumulating three sacks. The Hurricanes had five sacks in total, with the other two courtesy of Elijah Alston and Justin Scott, respectively. Additionally, the ‘Canes had three interceptions thanks to spectacular plays from Adarius Hayes, Cam Pruitt and Wesley Bissainthe. This kind of output from the defensive side of the ball produced numerous scoring opportunities for the offense and ensured a game that was never really in reach for Florida A&M. A similar performance against the undefeated Cardinals could further cement Miami’s status as one of the top teams in the country.
Speaking of Ball State, 2023 starting quarterback Kiael Kelly has switched to defensive back, leaving the team as an enigma heading into this year. Some questions were answered last weekend, as the Cardinals defeated FCS power Missouri State behind 262 yards and four touchdowns from new quarterback Kadin Semonza.
Coming into the season ranked at number nine in the MAC Coaches Poll, the expectations for Mike Neu’s squad should perhaps be tempered.Furthermore, the Mid-American Conference cannot be overlooked by any stretch. Last Saturday, the Northern Illinois Huskies upset the number five Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. While perhaps Northern Illinois presents a stronger team than Ball State, the ‘Canes must learn a lesson from the ‘unlucky’ Irish and put their best foot forward on Saturday.
Outside of Semonza at quarterback, watch out for Eastern Kentucky transfer Braedon Sloan at running back. He had over 100 yards rushing last week, as well as six catches for 46 yards out of the backfield. The ‘Canes occasionally had trouble containing Montrell Johnson Jr. of Florida in their first game, and a dual-threat running back could present issues for the vaunted ‘Canes linebacking unit.
As the Hurricanes look to prove themselves on the national stage, it is important for them to make their presence known regardless of opponent. It would be easy to overlook the Cardinals.
as Miami takes on the impressive South Florida Bulls team in Tampa next weekend, and discipline and focus must be on display for the Hurricanes from the opening kick.
The Hurricanes and Cardinals are set to duke it out on Saturday, September 14th, with kickoff time set for 3:30 PM EST at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The University of Miami golf team kicked off the 2024-25 season with an exceptional performance, securing fourth place at the Cougar Classic at Yeamans Hall Club in Hanahan, S.C. This marks the Hurricanes’ best result at the event since their third-place finish in 2003.
Miami finished with a 54-hole total of 865 (+13), tying for fourth among 17 teams on the par-71 course (6,269 yards).
Junior Olivia Grønborg led the Hurricanes with an impressive showing, earning her second career top-10 finish. She carded a four-under-par 209, placing fifth overall. Grønborg made a significant move in the final round, shooting a 68 to climb nine spots into the fifth-place position.
Freshman Sofie Hlinomazová made a strong debut, finishing tied for 26th with a 54-hole score of 216 (+3).
Sophomores Aada Rissanen and Barbora Bujáková finished tied for 47th and 53rd, respectively, with scores of 220 (+7) and 222 (+9). Rebekah Gardner, also a sophomore, ended tied for 75th with a three-round total of 228 (+15).
Playing as an individual, freshman Cloe Amion Villarino scored 234 (+21) in her first collegiate tournament and finished tied for 88th.
Auburn claimed the team title with a score of 845 (-5), while LSU followed closely in second place at 846 (-4). Virginia Tech rounded out the top three with a score of 859 (+7).
Miami will next compete at the Mary Fossum Invitational on September 22-23 in East Lansing, Mich.
People in Miami commonly opt for a lifestyle that prioritizes health and fitness. In 2024, Healthnews labeled Miami as the ninth-best city in the world in terms of overall health.
This lifestyle holds true for many University of Miami students. More often than not, you will see UM students flocking to the Herbert Wellness Center gym in their spare time, to take advantage of the different weights machines and sporting venues. People regularly run, cycle or skateboard around campus, too.
UM provides exceptional resources when it comes to getting all sorts of exercise and this model for healthy lifestyles continues in the dining halls. With a large variety of nutritious meals available, UM’s dining halls are worth their price tag.
The cost of UM’s meal plan can be a significant chunk of a student’s semester bill. According to UM’s website, a “7 Day All Access” plan costs $4,300 per semester. Although this plan is only required for freshmen, UM’s dining halls are a quick and easily obtainable source of food to all students. It’s no surprise that with Miami’s expensive grocery and take-out prices, many students see the dining halls as their main source of sustenance.
However, on UM’s campus, students often debate whether the food served in the dining halls justify the cost.
A well-known phrase that sends shivers down the spines of many freshman college students is the infamous “freshman 15.” It refers to the conventional wisdom that many students gain 15 pounds during their first year of college. In fact, according to Healthline, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Still, researchers found that after reviewing 32 studies, more than 60% of college students gained an average of 7.5 pounds during their freshman year.
A huge cause of this weight gain is the food students consume. Many are adapting to the challenges of adulthood, and a big part of that is deciding for themselves what they should or should not eat, especially with the added stress of a new environment and challenging courses. Due to the accessibility of the dining halls, students often opt to just eat whatever is being served there.
A study published by the National Library of Science analyzed that college dining halls have contributed heavily to an increase in unhealthy behaviors in students, as many lack a variety of nutritious food options, especially when it comes to producing food at this large of a scale. The publication stated that “to positively change dietary behaviors, there needs to be an increased focus on presenting healthier options conveniently or reformulating appealing foods to ensure that they are healthier.”
With this information in mind, staff members at UM dining halls are doing their part to keep students healthy, as they facilitate an arrangement of healthy, nutritious food options.
When interviewed about the process of creating menus and determining which ingredients to use, Campus Executive Chef Scot Emerson stated that the produce is sourced from local vendors, including Fresh Point Produce and Fresh From Florida.
Emerson said the dining halls do this to “ensure that students are getting the highest quality ingredients for their meals.” Emerson also said that each of the team members who work in the dining halls are all required to be FARE Allergen Training certified, “keeping students’ health and wellness at the forefront of their priorities.” According to the FARE website, this certification consists of a variety of in-depth courses, both on-demand and instructor-led, that teach each member of the dining halls how to safely prepare and handle food, preventing any food-related risks and overall fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
With this in mind, students can find an almost overwhelming amount of options to pick from when entering the UM dining halls. Food stations range from a salad bar, pizza station, omelet bar (for the early risers), burgers and fries, frozen yogurt, cereals and breads, and even a plant-based station. There is also the “Create” station, which provides a healthy source of protein, a filling side of grains, and a large, nutritious arrangement of vegetables.
Paired with each meal are signs labeling the ingredients and the dietary restrictions they apply to. For example, at the plant-based station, students can read the signs to see the symbol “V,” symbolizing that the food is vegetarian.
According to CampusInsights, “Nearly half of all students follow a special diet or avoid at least one allergen.” With the most common food allergies being food additives, dairy, and gluten, it is important for dining halls to cater to each of these allergens to maximize appeal. UM dining halls succeed at catering to these major allergies, providing a range of specific stations that are specifically made to avoid certain allergens.
At the Centennial Village dining hall (one of the two dining halls on campus), students are given access to the “Delicious Without Station” – where all meals provided are made without the top 9 allergens. Both UM dining halls also offer “Universal Meals” at lunch every Wednesday, where they provide plant-based, gluten-free recipes that are again made without the top nine allergens.
“[They are] designed to provide our students and guests with recipes that everyone can enjoy,” stated Emerson. No matter the restriction, UM dining hall staff members consistently make an effort to make clear what exactly they’re serving.
Additionally, all of the calories and macronutrients for meals are available online at DineOnCampus. Because of this, UM students can properly track how many calories and macronutrients they are consuming, no matter what nutritional goals they aim to achieve.
When compared to other college dining halls, UM’s facilities definitely stand out.
Sima Mourad, a transfer student from Parsons School of Design, said, “Parsons offered limited dining options, which resulted in many students, including me, to rely on restaurants around the area for different food options. At UM the dining halls are spacious and have many diverse food options, and it gives a more communal atmosphere.”
Chantal Yoshino, a transfer student from Bard College, shared similar sentiments.
“My old school’s food was absolutely terrible and only had one food option a day, so I’m so grateful for UM’s food choices,” Yoshino said.
Every person deserves access to high quality food. At UM, students are given exactly that. Although the price tag may seem intimidating, it is sufficient to state that the meal plan provided by UM gives each and every student access to a highly pleasurable dining experience. Regardless of what kind of meal you are looking to eat, UM’s dining halls are the places to fulfill your needs.
Early in the third quarter against Week 2 opponent Florida A&M University (FAMU), Miami defensive lineman Tyler Baron took a jab step to the outside and crossed the face of the Rattlers’ left tackle and got to quarterback Daniel Richardson, forcing another FAMU punt and giving the Hurricanes’ offense a chance to extend their sizeable 26-point lead.
This was Baron’s third sack of the game, one of only eight Hurricanes to accomplish such a feat. Baron was named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week and now leads the ‘Canes with four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss through two weeks of play.
Miami lost their premier pass rusher, Rueben Bain Jr., on its trip to Gainesville, Florida in Week 1. While Bain is not expected to be out for a long period of time, it’s still a huge loss for the front seven of UM’s defense. Bain led the Hurricanes with 7.5 sacks last season as a true freshman, winning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in the process.
Baron joined the Hurricanes roster this May. After spending four years in Knoxville, Tennessee playing for the Volunteers, Baron packed his bags and took his talents to Coral Gables to play his last year of college football for head coach Mario Cristobal.
In Tennessee, Baron was a significant contributor to the Vols’ defense. During his four-year stint, he accumulated over 100 career tackles, including 26.0 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. Baron’s impact was acknowledged, as he earned spots on the 2023 Preseason All-SEC Third Team, was named as an SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week and made the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl Midseason All-America Team as a senior.
For Miami, Baron’s arrival has been a game changer. Over the past two games, the Hurricanes have held their opponents to just 26 points, a jump from last season where they allowed 36 through two weeks. The Rattlers’ offense was held to 194 total yards, with only 52 yards on the ground.
Baron’s performance has gotten the attention of his new defensive coordinator, Lance Guidry.
“He’s playing hard,” Guidry said to reporters. “He’s really big and powerful off the edge and he’s twitchy. He’s just playing hard, he’s recognizing plays and just cutting loose right now. It’s good to see.”
Baron’s three-sack performance against FAMU was also a career-high night for him. He credits his own internal drive that led to the outstanding performance.
“For me, it’s not really about the opponent, to be honest,” Baron said to reporters. “I’m self-driven. I want to be the best version of me and kind of maximize this year and be the best teammate that I can be.”
Bain will return to the defense sometime in the next couple of weeks, and Miami has tougher opponents lined up on its schedule – including No. 19 Louisville, Florida State and Virginia Tech all on the horizon. With Bain and Baron healthy, the ‘Canes will have one of the most dangerous edge-rushing duos in the country.
“He’s built like an avatar.” Cristobal said to reporters. “He’s explosive. Just has one of the most natural feels for the game of anyone I’ve ever seen. He understands leverage and angles. He’s really smart. He’s locked in. He’s in tune with what’s going on. He’s always trying to figure out how to get better. He works hard. He’s tough. He checks all of the boxes and now he’s full-throttle. I think he’s showing everybody what he’s about. He’s another hungry dude and we’ve been blessed with some really good players to come to our program and it’s our job to push them and help get them there.”
Baron will get his next crack at sacking more quarterbacks this Saturday, when the ’Canes host the Ball State Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
One of the most iconic cities in the US is “the city that never sleeps” — New York City. But in recent years, we have seen more and more NYC residents abandoning this famous city for another, better one: Miami.
Students are following suit, as seen through UM’s admitted students portfolio. The statistics from year alone show that out of around 10,233 admitted students, 23% of its students are from New York and New Jersey.
That’s because Miami is better than NYC for students. The lifestyle, career opportunities, environment, living cost, and cleanliness are remarkable, and, when compared to New York, much better suited for student lifestyle.
As a resident of both cities, I can attest to the fact that Miami in general has a myriad of benefits that New York cannot supply to its locals: the ability to take trips to the beach year-round, not having to worry about bundling up for harsh winters, and being able to live a slower-paced life are just some of the benefits. Miami is also diverse, with a variety of cultural, sports, restaurant and entertainment options.
When speaking more specifically about student life, the University of Miami has a certain beauty and appeal that no other campus in New York could possibly supply to its students — especially those that are located in New York. While walking around campus, students are engulfed by palm trees, warm sunlight, the glistening expanse of Lake Osceola, and the sweet aroma of a salty ocean breeze. In New York City, the most memorable part about walking around your college campus would likely be a run in with one of the city’s many rats.
Miami also has a wider range of student-accessible activities than NYC. Coconut Grove and Brickell, two neighborhoods near UM with great food and shopping, are perfect examples. In New York, if you do not attend school in the city, you would need to travel to Manhattan to find a similar experience, and even if you did, getting around there involves an unpleasant experience with public transportation or hours in traffic, with tolls that can reach $15.
As a student who has lived in New York and now resides in Miami, it is so refreshing to be able to take a quick drive to get to an area where there are so many different activities and spots to enjoy.
More importantly, going about daily activities in places like Coconut Grove and Coral Gables is safer compared to Soho and Central Park. Niche.com reported that Miami is safer than NYC. Just one statistically significant piece of data was that the assault rate in NYC was 378.4 per 100,000 residents compared to the 62 per 100,000 residents in Miami. While neither of the two statistics are ideal, the difference between them is drastic.
Some may say that getting around NYC is equally as efficient when using the subway, but the subway is nowhere near as clean as transportation options in Miami.
According to a study done by NYU Langone on the cleanliness of the NYC subway system, researchers found a high concentration of a microgram known as PM2.5. The high concentration of these air pollution particles can have detrimental effects on a person’s health. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency says PM2.5 can cause serious breathing and cardiac issues. You will not likely face those problems on Miami public transportation.
In a more academic light, whether you are looking for an internship, participating in research, or just trying to make it through the week’s homework, college is hard work. Because of Miami’s well-rounded lifestyle, living here during these demanding times is much better for a student’s mental health as opposed to the constant hustle and bustle of New York.
Monroe Steele, the creative director of “Fashion Steele,” a NYC-based company, lived in both New York and Miami. She shares her comparison in her blog, “The Tale of Two Cities.”
“If you aren’t moving quick enough in New York City, you are getting left behind,” said Steele.
Steele emphasized the difference in her happiness due to reduced stress levels when living in Miami. She also reported an improvement in her work-life balance.
Miami not only has beautiful beaches and sunny weather, but it is full of opportunities for students to cultivate a career.
While both New York and Miami have an abundance of job opportunities, competition plays a big role in a student’s chances of securing a well-paying job that suits them best. When evaluating the difference in employment in Miami and New York, the website ManhattanMovers.com makes it a point to emphasize that Miami is the best place possible for college graduates to get jobs and is the perfect spot to start a career.
The website goes on to say that, “New York is full of job opportunities and the perfect place to start your career.” However, “there is a lot of competition for every available job.”
Being in an atmosphere such as Miami’s has been shown to improve people’s mood tremendously, allowing them to have a clearer headspace and be motivated to get more work done while being less stressed. Healthline.com says that being in the sun triggers the release of serotonin, which is directly linked to improving a person’s mood and reducing stress.
On UNIGO, an online platform that allows students to express why they chose the college they currently attend, Ashley, a student at UM, said, “Once I visited Miami and compared it to other campuses, I knew it was right for me. While all other campuses blurred together, this one stood out. It felt warm and welcoming, let alone the wonderful weather. The atmosphere here makes me happier, because of the beauty of the campus I appreciate being here, it motivates me to do well. I genuinely feel lucky to live in this environment.”
On top of all of the sunshine Miami offers, another important difference is that Miami’s cost of living is lower than New York’s.
The Property Club, a real estate marketplace in New York City, conducted a study on how much it costs to live in both cities. It found that the cost of living in New York was 11% higher than Miami’s. Although the cost of residing in both cities is higher than the national average, Miami has both a lower cost of living as well as a lower cost of housing.
According to calculations done on the difference in cost of living by Salary.com, New York is 34.8% more expensive than Miami.
A majority of students who attend school in New York and Miami tend to live off campus after their first year of college, making the cost of housing a significant factor to consider when choosing a location for college. According to the US News, about 64% of students who attend NYU live off campus and the same is true for about 63% of the students who attend the University of Miami.
While both cities are popular locations for college students, it is safe to say that Miami is the better choice for most of us. Not only does being in a city such as Miami allow students to suffer from less stress while pursuing their studies, it is also great for those who wish to explore their interests in a diverse city with great weather and without the burdens of difficult transportation.
The Miami Hurricanes set the bar high in their home opener, decimating Florida A&M 56-9. The offense, led by quarterback Cam Ward and receiver Xavier Restrepo, put on a scoring clinic. Meanwhile, the defense held the Rattlers to under 200 yards of total offense. While it’s hard to put too much stock into a home win against an FCS opponent, the dominant performance was a welcome sight for the Hurricanes’ home crowd. As the ‘Canes climb into the AP top 10 for the first time since 2020, let’s dive into some takeaways from Saturday’s win.
The Cam Ward-Xavier Restrepo connection is real…
…and it’s spectacular. After putting up over 100 yards and a touchdown against Florida, Restrepo repeated the performance against the Rattlers, amassing 104 yards and a touchdown despite catching only four passes. Through two games, the fifth-year receiver has clearly emerged as Ward’s favorite target, leading the Hurricanes in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The duo appears to be completely in sync, and that’s the type of connection that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
Cam Ward’s mobility adds a new layer to the offense
Miami’s new quarterback is clearly a significant upgrade as a passer, but his mobility cannot be ignored. Ward is by no means a rush-heavy quarterback; he’s never amassed more than 150 rushing yards in a season. However, that’s still a significant jump from what the ‘Canes have had in previous years. Last year’s starter, Tyler Van Dyke, had only 32 rushing yards in his four-year career as a Hurricane; Ward’s already eclipsed that mark this season. The rushing ability was on full display on Saturday when he dove into the end zone for an eight-yard score in the third quarter. running the ball isn’t the only upside of Ward’s mobility. The Hurricanes don’t need Ward to be the next Lamar Jackson; a backfield headlined by Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. is already a strong rushing attack. But the signal-caller’s ability to keep defenses honest with his legs — along with the skills to navigate the pocket and deliver dimes on the run — is a game-changer for Miami’s offense.
The defensive line shines again
Head coach Mario Cristobal has made depth in the trenches a priority, both through his recruiting classes and via the transfer portal. That philosophy has paid off so far this season, especially against the Rattlers. The Hurricanes held Florida A&M to a meager 52 yards on the ground while accumulating five sacks and ten tackles for loss. That was all without reigning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain, who missed Saturday’s contest after suffering a soft-tissue injury in week one. Tyler Baron, who transferred to Miami this offseason after spending four seasons at the University of Tennessee, was the star of the show, sacking the quarterback three times on his way to earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. If the defensive line can maintain this level of play and Bain can return to full health, the Hurricanes’ defense is going to prove troublesome for opposing offenses.
The University of Miami Army ROTC students held their fifth annual 9.11-mile Ruck to Remember, a march symbolizing respect and remembrance for the tragedy and the sacrifices made on 9/11.
Abbie Leahy, a junior studying finance, led the march undeterred by torrential Florida rain, inspiring all participants to persevere despite the harsh circumstances.
“This tradition means to honor those lost on 9/11 and also to honor those who were sacrificed in the Global War on Terror and to remind all that freedom is not free,” said Leahy. “9.11 miles in torrential downpour is a small price to pay to show support. I hope that this will show our appreciation to local service members and veterans.”
A dedicated group of 100 ruckers gathered, their high spirits undampened by the storm. The group consisted of all of UM ROTC and members of the community. They embraced the challenge of the 9.11-mile march, ready to take on the demanding course.
“This tradition teaches me about honor and dedication,” said Deyana Bonardi. “Realistically few people want to be awake at 4 a.m. to ruck in a Floridian storm … When the ruck started and it started pouring I felt slightly agitated. My boots were soaked within the first 5 minutes, I could barely see, and my pants were sticking to my legs and weighing me down from the water weight.”
Both seasoned ruckers and newbies showed up ready to put their best foot forward.
“This was my third year completing the 9/11 ruck,” said Bonardi. “This tradition means a lot to me because not only does it dedicate a difficult workout to those who passed away, but it reminds the community that they will never be forgotten. It may only be a few hours to complete, but it’s a few hours of bringing the community together as people, friends and strangers and creating a memory we will all look back on.”
Yesterday at the crack of dawn, ruckers gathered by the U Statue with their heavy rucksacks. In the cold, dark early morning they were fueled by their sheer determination and ready to take on a demanding loop around campus, down to Regatta Park in Coconut Grove, and make their way back.
“This shows that the ROTC program and locals stay committed to the values of freedom and the sacrifices of our service members to protect those values,” said Leahy.
A key element of the 9.11-mile march is the backpack. It stands as a symbol of both physical and emotional endurance. The difficulty of carrying the backpack mirrors the perseverance that defines the event.
Bonardi highlighted the deeper connection: “It stimulates (in a minor capacity) what the firefighters felt climbing the stairs of the falling towers,” said Bonardi. “They had tanks on their backs and heavy equipment to carry. Walking with a ruck is a sign of gratitude to those who walked up the stairs under no easy conditions to save others. It is an inspiration.”
Many brands showed their support and camaraderie by being sponsors of the event. This year’s event was supported by prominent sponsors including Celsius, Raw Nutrition, GoRuck and UM Veteran Resource Center
“This tradition brings the community closer,” explained Bonardi.“Whether it is by people joining us to walk, cars driving by and beeping, runners passing by and asking questions, or ladies walking the Grove and giving us fist bumps, everyone who sees the group rucking on is inspired. It creates a sense of strength in our community.”
The challenging conditions of the ruck led participants to reflect, and some even found inspiration in classic quotes. Bonardi shared Epicurus’s quote, “The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it.”
Reflecting on this year’s ruck 2024 ruck, Abbie Leathy says she is looking forward to leading and organizing the one next year.
“Top 5 most rewarding experiences of my life,” she said.
Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, speak at the University of Miami Saturday morning in the Shalala Student Center. Photo by Joshua Perez, UM Communications
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has embarked on her nationwide tour to promote her memoir, “Lovely One” and one of her stops was her hometown — Miami.
The memoir details Jackson’s journey to becoming the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, which began at the kitchen table of her parents’ married student housing apartment, right here at the University of Miami.
Her memoir is a tribute to those who have supported and inspired her. Its title is a direct translation of her name, Ketanji Onyika, meaning “Lovely One” in an African dialect, which was given to her by her aunt.
Her first memories as a child were sitting with her father, Johnny Brown, drawing in her coloring books while he studied and discussed the law as a University of Miami School of Law student in the early 1970s.
“I didn’t think that there was really anything else a person was supposed to do except go to law school,” Jackson recollected. “From that early age, I thought about being a lawyer and wanting to pursue that path because I wanted to be like my dad.”
On Saturday, Sept. 7, the University of Miami School of Law and the Adrienne Arsht Center hosted chats with Jackson, welcoming her back to the city where she laid the foundation for her distinguished legal career.
Her combined audience of 3,200 people came together to not only collectively celebrate her new book, “Lovely One,” but to acknowledge the “inspiring journey” of UM’s “hometown pride,” Miami Law Interim Dean Particia Sanchez Abril said.
“Miami was such a great place to grow up, for me at least in the time that we came along,” Jackson stated. “It was a time of hope and opportunity. Miami was a very multicultural environment that was at the time very interested, I think, in providing opportunities for communities that had previously been excluded.”
During her speeches, moderated by her longtime friend and appellate specialist, Stephen Rosenthal, and U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Florida, Darrin Gayles, Jackson recalled her experiences in the practice of law. From her involvement in Dade County Youth Fair competitions as a child, to becoming a member of the highest court in the country, while balancing professional and life goals, Jackson had a very personal story to share with her audience.
“It was great hearing Justice Jackson on a personal level,” said Sebastian Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in Public Relations and Political Science student from New Jersey. “[It] brought humanity to her, as this event removed her from the institution and saw her as an individual.”
Jackson received her undergraduate and legal education at Harvard University, and went on to serve as a federal judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where she was noted for her expertise in complex legal issues. Prior to her appellate court position, she had a distinguished career as a public defender and private attorney, and held roles on various legal and judicial committees, including serving as a vice chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
“I decided that when I became a trial judge, that I was going to prioritize communication,” Jackson told The Hurricane, in a comment about her passion for criminal law and aspirations of providing a fair trial for all.
Shortly after her position on the U.S. District Court of Appeals, Ketanji Brown Jackson made history by being nominated to the Supreme Court by President Biden in February 2022. She was sworn in on June 30, 2022 as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
However, Jackson remains humble throughout her success, stating that “no one reaches the highest of heights on their own.”
She also expressed her admiration for Constance Baker Motley, a civil rights attorney and the first African American woman appointed to the federal judiciary, as they share the same birthday of Sept. 14.
“I remember thinking early in my career, ‘Well, you can’t always necessarily be the smartest person in any room, but what you can do is commit to being the hardest worker,’” Jackson stated.
“I had a favorite poem that I learned about in high school that I put up in every single law firm or office that I ever went to, because it was motivational in this way. It was a stanza from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s The Ladder of St. Augustine. He says, ‘The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.’ That was the person that I thought I was, professionally.”
She gave the law students and lawyers in the room a look into the reality of being part of the highest court in the land, considering the unexpected formalities and traditions of the justices.
“Collective decision-making is actually hard. It’s much harder than doing and saying whatever you want to do,” Jackson said. “Now I am on the Supreme Court and it’s even that much harder because there are nine of us. And everybody knows who we are.”
Jackson explained that becoming a Supreme Court Justice made her an instant celebrity, transforming her life.
“Personally, I can’t go out anymore, and I have security all the time, which is important and you need it… On the other hand, I get fabulous students and people who come to court, and get to talk to them and try to encourage them. One of the things that I’ve enjoyed the most about being a Supreme Court Justice is the student groups who come; I’ve had elementary on up,” she said.
Judge Darrin Gayles described her career as “particularly a Miami success story,” highlighting how her background and experiences in life formed her perspective to approach the law.
Just as many other Supreme Court Justices have spoken at events at the University of Miami School of Law, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s speech has become a source of inspiration to aspiring lawyers and judges at UM.
Jackson recalled that her elementary yearbook dream to “go into law and eventually have a judicial appointment” has indeed come true, and encouraged each student to find their own passion in life.
In closing her inspiring message, Ketanji Brown Jackson posed a transformative question to her listeners.
“What are you willing to work for?” Jackson said. “If you believe in yourself and work for it, it will happen.”
With football season ramping up, University of Miami students are eagerly preparing their best gameday outfits for tailgates. Students have already been seen decked out in our vibrant school colors, set to make a stylish impression.
If you are looking to craft the perfect tailgate outfit, you are in luck. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perfect your look!
Hair
Try not to underestimate the power of a good hairstyle as it can really enhance your look.
To spice up some long hair, consider adding some green or orange gingham ribbon and french or bubble braids for added texture. Pigtails can also be a stylish choice.
Hats are always a great accessory. They not only shield your face from the beaming Miami sun, but also provide a finishing touch to any outfit. To me, Etsy and ‘47 Brand have the cutest options for vintage UM hats.
Tops
Because it is so hot in Miami, it is important to try our best to stay cool and comfortable while still showcasing our team spirit. Some great options for tops are lightweight green and orange tank tops, breathable vintage graphic tees or sports jerseys.
“An oversized open baseball jersey with either a white, orange, or green top underneath is my favorite outfit,” said Leah Cohen, freshman finance major.
Performance polos can offer a polished look. Athletic dresses or rompers can be cute, especially when spiced up with added accessories.
Bikini tops are always a popular option. Whether they are simple or strappy, they can always complete a look in this heat. To add some layers, add a belly chain or jewelry.
Bottoms
For tailgating in hot weather, selecting the right bottoms is essential for comfort and style. Some choices for bottoms could be comfortable shorts or a mini skirt. Whether they are denim, athletic shorts, or stylish high-waisted shorts, you can never go wrong.
Cargo shorts offer functionality with extra pockets and pair well with a vintage tee. If you decide to wear pants in the Miami heat, try linen or cotton pants rather than jeans to avoid getting too hot.
“My go-to would be boring khaki shorts and a polo with a UMiami logo on it. But I would love to try the UMiami overalls or orange and green body paint with friends,” said Lucas Velasquez, freshman computer science major.
“I like when people wear the overalls,” said Zack Tessler, a freshman marketing major.
Shoes
Lastly, we have my personal favorite part of a UM tailgate outfit—the shoes. At UM, it is trendy to have a green or orange pair of shoes to rock on gameday.
Some popular options that always look great are Adidas Sambas or Gazelles, New Balance 550s, Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars and Nike Air Jordans. However, it is also a great idea to wear some casual white shoes because gameday can get quite messy.
Accessories
Accessories I would love to see more on game days are orange and green bangle bracelets, sunglasses, flags, banners, face and body paint, visors, clear bags, UM earrings and customized team gear.
UM students are ready to show off their best looks on game day. Students can create standout tailgate outfits with orange and green clothes, comfortable shoes and stylish accessories.
Every element of the outfit plays a crucial role! With these tips in mind, you will be perfectly dressed to cheer on the Hurricanes and enjoy every moment of our road to ACC victory!
