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Perfect Start, Defensive Finish: Miami Holds Off Wake Forest 33-20
Darian Mensah set ACC completion records in the first half, and Miami’s defense produced four straight fourth-quarter stops to preserve the road victory at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Darian Mensah was surgical early, completing his first 24 passes and finishing 30 of 34 for 220 yards and three touchdowns as the fifth-ranked Hurricanes built a 31-7 lead. Mensah opened with a 9-yard touchdown strike to Joshua Moore on Miami’s first possession, hooked up with Elija Lofton on a 21-yard score and added a short touchdown to Malachi Toney, turning the passing game into a near-automatic engine for the visitors. His 24-for-24 start set an ACC single-game mark, and his streak extended to 35 straight completions dating back to last week, breaking the conference multiple-game record.
But the offense that has led the nation in total yards (702.5) and ranked second in scoring (61.0) began to sputter as the game wore on, producing four straight three-and-outs in the late stages while dealing with several injuries. Coach Mario Cristobal credited the unit that answered the bell: “I think a ton of credit goes to the defense for just bowing up and executing at a high level.” Defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot also helped swing momentum with a third-quarter sack on Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez.
Lopez rallied the Demon Deacons, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns and cutting the deficit to 31-20 on a 17-yard strike to Carlos Hernandez with 14:56 remaining. That’s when Miami’s defense closed the door. Pressure in the end zone drew a holding penalty and a safety, a stop on fourth down at the 13 forced an incomplete throw, freshman JJ Dunnigan rushed the edge to hurry another fourth-down attempt with 5:24 to play, and Ethan O’Connor’s interception at the 2:24 mark in the red zone effectively ended Wake Forest’s comeback.
Wake Forest was also hamstrung by 13 penalties for 137 yards, including two that wiped out significant fourth-quarter punt returns. Coach Jake Dickert lamented execution issues but acknowledged the opportunities his team had to get back in the game. Miami improved to 3-0 (2-0 ACC) and will host Central Michigan next Saturday; Wake Forest fell to 2-1 (0-1) and travels to No. 23 Louisville.