MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After a humbling loss to Louisville that snapped a 10-game home winning streak, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said his team needed to “stay the course.”

On Saturday night, the Hurricanes did just that — led by running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who ran for more than 100 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 42-7 win over Stanford.

It was a complete turnaround for the Hurricanes (6-1, 2-1), who stumbled a week earlier against the Cardinals.

Against Stanford, Miami’s defense forced two key interceptions, special teams flipped the field, and the offense found its rhythm behind quarterback Carson Beck’s steady play and a rushing attack that produced five scores.

“The standard is nothing but your absolute best,” Cristobal said after the game. “We didn’t get the result we wanted early, but no one panicked. The defense took over, the special teams gave us great field position, and the offense finally broke through.”

Cristobal praised freshman receiver Malachi Toney, who made his biggest impact in the return game. Toney set up two Miami scores with returns of more than 30 and 40 yards.

“We’ve been looking forward to getting him (Toney) involved,” Cristobal said. “He’s explosive, fearless, and always ready to make a play for his teammates. Just a complete team player and a game changer.”

Beck, who threw four interceptions in the Louisville loss, rebounded with an efficient performance — completing 21 of 28 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown while staying turnover-free.

“It was huge,” Beck said following the win. “Every single week our goal is to go 1-0. You can’t look too far ahead or dwell on the past — just be present and focus on the day you’re in. Tonight we got our feet set, and defense and special teams really helped us pull away.”

Miami’s defense was relentless in the second half.

Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe nearly had a pick-six in the third quarter, returning an interception to the 3-yard line to set up another Fletcher score.

“Nothing changed,” Bissainthe said of the team’s halftime adjustment. “We just had to calm down, go out there and execute. Coaches made some adjustments, and once we settled in, everything took care of itself.”

Fletcher credited the offensive line and defense for setting the tone after a week of criticism following the Louisville loss, when Miami managed just 2.6 yards per carry.

“We just started executing more,” Fletcher said. “Defense played a hell of a game — they made stops for us all night. It’s a beautiful thing to see all of us come up together and do it at home.”

Up next:

Miami travels to Gerald J. Ford Stadium to face SMU (5-3, 3-1 ACC) next Saturday.

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