Hey there, football fans! If you’re looking for a game that had it all—touchdowns, turnovers, and record-breaking performances—then the Duke Blue Devils Football vs Miami Hurricanes Football Match Player Stats on November 2, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium was one for the books. This ACC clash was a rollercoaster, with Miami pulling off a comeback to win 53-31 and keep their undefeated streak alive. Let’s dive into the action, break down the key moments, and take a close look at the player stats that shaped this exciting game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good sports story, this article is for you!
The Stage Is Set
Picture this: a sunny afternoon in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a packed Hard Rock Stadium buzzing with energy. The No. 5-ranked Miami Hurricanes, sitting pretty at 8-0, were looking to stay perfect against a scrappy Duke Blue Devils team with a 6-2 record. The storyline was juicy—Manny Diaz, Duke’s head coach, was returning to Miami, where he’d coached the Hurricanes from 2016 to 2021. Would his Blue Devils pull off an upset, or would Miami’s high-powered offense, led by Heisman hopeful Cam Ward, keep rolling?
Duke came in with a reputation for forcing turnovers, ranking second in the nation with 19 turnovers gained. Miami, meanwhile, boasted the country’s top-scoring offense, averaging points like nobody’s business. The stage was set for a clash of styles: Duke’s gritty defense against Miami’s explosive attack. Let’s see how it played out!
Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The game started with Miami flexing their offensive muscles. The Hurricanes struck first, with Cam Ward connecting with Xavier Restrepo for a 34-yard touchdown just three minutes in. Duke’s offense struggled early, and after a punt, Miami’s defense got in on the action when Mishael Powell picked off Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy, setting up a short field. Ward capitalized, finding tight end Cam McCormick for a 4-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.
But Duke wasn’t going down without a fight. Their offense woke up late in the first quarter, with running back Peyton Jones powering in for an 8-yard touchdown run. Early in the second, Duke tied it up at 14-14 when Murphy hit Sahmir Hagans for a 27-yard touchdown pass. The Blue Devils were rolling, and by halftime, they’d taken a surprising 21-17 lead after a 40-yard catch by Jones set up another score.
The third quarter saw Duke extend their lead to 28-17 with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Murphy to Jordan Moore. Miami looked shaky, with their defense struggling to stop Duke’s balanced attack. But then, the Hurricanes flipped the script. A fumble recovery and an interception by freshman OJ Frederique sparked Miami’s comeback. Ward found Restrepo for a 3-yard touchdown, and after a two-point conversion, it was a 28-25 game.
In the fourth quarter, Miami took over. Ward threw a 49-yard touchdown to Jacolby George, followed by a 66-yard bomb to Restrepo that broke records and sealed Duke’s fate. The Hurricanes outscored Duke 36-3 in the final stretch, finishing with a 53-31 victory. Miami moved to 9-0 (5-0 ACC), while Duke fell to 6-3 (2-3 ACC).
Key Performances and Record-Breaking Moments
This game wasn’t just about the score—it was about players making history. Miami’s Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo had a day to remember. Ward threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns, tying Steve Walsh’s 1988 Miami record for single-season touchdown passes (29). He also became the first Hurricane quarterback to hit 400 yards against Duke. Restrepo, meanwhile, caught eight passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns, tying Mike Harley’s career receptions record (182) and breaking Santana Moss’s career receiving yards record (2,573). Talk about a dynamic duo!
Duke’s Maalik Murphy also had a strong showing, throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns, but his three interceptions and a fumble hurt the Blue Devils. Running back Peyton Jones was a bright spot, racking up 152 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Sahmir Hagans led Duke’s receivers with nine catches for 139 yards and a score, proving he’s a go-to target.
Defensively, Duke’s Chandler Rivers stood out with an interception and three pass breakups, while linebacker Ozzie Nicholas led with 10 tackles. For Miami, the defense struggled early but turned it around with four turnovers, including picks by Powell, Frederique, and Jadais Richard, plus a fumble recovery by Akheem Mesidor.
Duke Blue Devils Football vs Miami Hurricanes Football Match Player Stats Table
Here’s a detailed look at the key Duke Blue Devils Football vs Miami Hurricanes Football Match Player Stats from the game, broken down by team and category. This table makes it easy to see who shined and how the numbers stacked up.
|
Team |
Player |
Position |
Passing (Comp/Att-Yds-TD-INT) |
Rushing (Car-Yds-TD) |
Receiving (Rec-Yds-TD) |
Defense (Tackles-Sacks-INT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Miami Hurricanes |
Cam Ward |
QB |
25/41-400-5-1 | 3-1-0 | – | – |
|
Xavier Restrepo |
WR |
– | – | 8-146-3 | – | |
|
Jacolby George |
WR |
– | – | 4-94-1 | – | |
|
Cam McCormick |
TE |
– | – | 2-10-1 | – | |
|
Elijah Lofton |
TE |
– | 1-2-1 | – | – | |
|
Mark Fletcher Jr. |
RB |
– | 11-67-0 | – | – | |
|
Damien Martinez |
RB |
– | 8-45-0 | – | – | |
|
Mishael Powell |
DB |
– | – | – | 5-0-1 | |
|
OJ Frederique Jr. |
DB |
– | – | – | 3-0-1 | |
|
Jadais Richard |
DB |
– | – | – | 4-0-1 | |
|
Akheem Mesidor |
DL |
– | – | – |
2-0-0 (1 fumble recovery) |
|
|
Duke Blue Devils |
Maalik Murphy |
QB |
25/41-325-3-3 | 2–5-0 | – | – |
|
Peyton Jones |
RB |
– | 12-66-1 | 2-86-1 | – | |
|
Sahmir Hagans |
WR |
– | – | 9-139-1 | – | |
|
Jordan Moore |
WR |
– | – | 5-76-1 | – | |
|
Star Thomas |
RB |
– | 17-68-0 | – | – | |
|
Ozzie Nicholas |
LB |
– | – | – | 10-0-0 | |
|
Terry Moore |
DB |
– | – | – | 9-0-0 | |
|
Chandler Rivers |
DB |
– | – | – | 4-0-1 | |
|
Vincent Anthony Jr. |
DE |
– | – | – | 3-0.5-0 |
Data sourced from ESPN, FOX Sports, and Miami Herald reports.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s unpack the stats and what they mean. On the offensive side, Miami’s passing game was unstoppable. Ward’s 400 yards and 61% completion rate showed his ability to pick apart Duke’s defense, especially in the second half. Restrepo’s 146 yards and three touchdowns were game-changers, with his 66-yard score in the fourth quarter putting the game out of reach. Miami’s rushing attack was solid but not spectacular, with Mark Fletcher Jr. and Damien Martinez combining for 112 yards.
Duke’s offense was no slouch either. Murphy’s 325 passing yards and three touchdowns kept the Blue Devils in the game, and his connection with Hagans was a highlight. Jones’s versatility—66 yards rushing and 86 yards receiving—gave Duke a balanced attack. However, the four turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble) were backbreakers, as Miami turned those into 21 points.
Defensively, Duke started strong, forcing three-and-outs and holding Miami to just 17 points in the first half. Nicholas and Terry Moore were tackling machines, and Rivers showed why he’s a rising star in the secondary. But Miami’s defense stepped up big in the second half, with Frederique’s interception and Mesidor’s fumble recovery swinging momentum. The Hurricanes’ ability to force four turnovers was the difference-maker.
What Made the Game Special
This wasn’t just another football game—it was a showcase of heart, hustle, and history. For Miami, the win kept their perfect season alive and boosted Ward’s Heisman case. Restrepo’s record-breaking day was a feel-good moment, especially as the team honored the late Mark Fletcher Sr., father of running back Mark Fletcher Jr., at a memorial service the day before. The emotional weight of the game added extra meaning to Miami’s comeback.
For Duke, the loss stung, but they showed they could hang with a top-five team. Their 31 points were the most they’ve scored against a Power Four opponent this season, and players like Jones and Hagans proved they can shine on a big stage. Coach Diaz’s return to Miami added a layer of drama, and while the Blue Devils didn’t get the win, they left with heads held high.
Looking Ahead
Miami’s now 9-0 and eyeing a College Football Playoff spot. Their next challenge is a road game against Georgia Tech, where they’ll need to clean up the defensive lapses that let Duke hang around. For Duke, it’s a short trip to face NC State, and they’ll need to cut down on turnovers to bounce back. Both teams showed plenty of fight, and this game was a reminder of why college football is so special—anything can happen when the ball kicks off.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re cheering for the Hurricanes or the Blue Devils, this game was a testament to the passion and talent in college football. From Ward’s pinpoint passes to Restrepo’s record-setting catches to Duke’s never-say-die attitude, there was something for everyone. The stats tell the story of a game that was close until Miami’s late surge, and the players on both sides gave fans plenty to cheer about.
