Miami Hurricanes Surge Past Wake Forest, One Win Away from ACC Title Game

The Miami Hurricanes continued their resurgence under head coach Mario Cristobal with a decisive 42-14 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday, securing their 10th win of the season for the first time since 2017. The Hurricanes now stand on the brink of their first ACC Championship Game berth since joining the conference, needing only a victory at Syracuse next week to punch their ticket to Charlotte.
Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) started strong, faltered offensively through much of the game, but came alive in the fourth quarter with 22 points to turn a tight contest into a rout. The victory not only showcased the team’s resilience but also underscored their championship potential as they head into the final stretch of the season.
After conceding an early touchdown on Wake Forest’s opening drive, Miami’s defense locked down. The Demon Deacons (4-7, 2-5 ACC) were held scoreless in the second half, managing only 50 total yards in the final 30 minutes. Defensive back Meesh Powell was a standout, recording a 76-yard pick-six, a sack, and three tackles. His efforts helped turn the tide and marked his best performance since Week 1.
Powell wasn’t alone in stepping up. Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa delivered his best game of the season, tallying 12 tackles without a miss, and Miami’s defensive front racked up five sacks and six tackles for loss, ensuring Wake Forest could not replicate Georgia Tech’s recent success on the ground.
“We knew the game would come down to the defense providing stops,” Cristobal said. “They played with an edge today, and it showed.”
Cam Ward, Miami’s record-setting quarterback, had another banner day despite an uneven start for the offense. Ward finished with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns, breaking Bernie Kosar’s single-season records for passing yards and completions. He also added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter as Miami pulled away.
Ward wasn’t the only offensive standout. Freshman running back Jordan Lyle exploded for 115 yards on just seven carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run and a 61-yard burst that electrified the Hard Rock Stadium crowd. Veteran tight end Elijah Arroyo contributed with 79 receiving yards, continuing his strong season.
“Next week, we need to put all three phases together,” Ward said. “It’s all about winning and making history.”
Special teams made a critical contribution, with Dylan Day forcing a fumble on a kickoff return, recovered by fellow freshman Bobby Pruitt. Although Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne delivered a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Miami’s overall special teams performance provided a boost at key moments.
With their ACC title hopes and a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line, the Hurricanes are focused on finishing strong. A win next week will not only secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game but also put Miami in position to achieve their first 11-win season since 2003.
“Our team has shown time and again that it can rise to the occasion,” Cristobal said. “This is what November football is all about—finding a way to win and keeping your goals alive.”

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