MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 18 Miami responded after last week’s setback with a dominant 38-10 win over Syracuse on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, leaning on a stifling defense, timely takeaways and a bit of offensive creativity to get back in the win column.
The Hurricanes (7-2, 3-2 ACC) entered the week needing a reset after their College Football Playoff hopes took a major hit in last week’s 26-20 overtime loss at SMU.
Early offensive struggles brought boos from the home crowd, but momentum turned late in the first half and never swung back.
Miami opened the scoring with a bit of trickery when wide receiver Malachi Toney took a handoff and lofted a pass to quarterback Carson Beck for a 14-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Minutes later, cornerback Keionte Scott jumped a pass from Syracuse quarterback Rickie Collins and returned it 38 yards for a pick-6, pushing the Hurricanes ahead 14-0 just before halftime.
Miami’s defense set the tone throughout.
Akheem Mesidor had multiple backfield stops, including a sack and a forced fumble that Jakobe Thomas recovered to end another Orange drive. Thomas later added an interception to add to his remarkable season.
Syracuse (3-7, 1-6) got on the board after a 38-yard field goal from Trip Woody early in the third quarter. Collins, who faced constant pressure, struggled to find rhythm.
Beck found his groove after a slow start, finishing 18 of 24 for 247 yards and a touchdown.
He also crossed the 10,000-yard milestone for his college career, joining Fresno State’s E.J. Warner as one of two active FBS quarterbacks to reach the mark.
His biggest strike came on a slant to Keelan Marion, who broke free for a 61-yard score to extend Miami’s lead to 21-3. Marion finished with 116 yards on three catches.
Freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. added a 19-yard touchdown to cap a strong drive in the second half, and Miami continued to empty the playbook late.
Hurricanes tackle Francis Mauigoa reported as an eligible player on offense and scored his first career touchdown on a 3-yard run to make it 38-3 in the fourth.
Orange third string quarterback Joseph Filardi found Elijah Washington for a late 17-yard score to cut the Hurricanes lead to 38-10.
Miami played without receiver CJ Daniels, cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. and running back Mark Fletcher Jr., all of whom were sidelined after injuries sustained last week.
The Hurricanes won the time of possession battle and controlled the second half after rushing difficulties and protection breakdowns slowed them early.
Jadais Richard made his season debut for Miami nearly a year after an ACL injury and was part of a defensive unit that held Syracuse scoreless in the red zone and forced three turnovers. He also had a half sack in the game.
Up next:
Miami hosts NC State (5-4, 2-3 ACC) next Saturday.
Syracuse goes on their bye week and then travels to face No. 10 Notre Dame on Nov. 22.
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