In a dominant display, the No. 20 Miami Hurricanes stormed to their fourth consecutive win of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Temple Owls with a commanding final score of 41-7. This victory marked Miami’s first 4-0 start to a season since 2017, where they would rush out to a 10-0 record during that 2017 campaign.
The Hurricanes’ offensive juggernaut continued to fire on all cylinders, consistently delivering results. Remarkably, they managed to tally 38 or more points in each of their first four games for the first time since 2002, all while eclipsing the 450-yard mark in total offense in each contest. Leading the charge was their quarterback, Tyler Van Dyke, who demonstrated exceptional poise and precision.
Van Dyke was in a league of his own, completing 17 of 24 passes for a total of 220 yards and tossing three well-placed touchdown passes. His remarkable performance allowed the Hurricanes to establish a dominant 24-0 lead by halftime, effectively setting the tone for the rest of the game.
However, it wasn’t just Van Dyke who was shining for Miami; their ground game proved to be equally formidable. The Hurricanes’ rushing attack overwhelmed the Owls, amassing an astounding 323 rushing yards. Leading the charge was the explosive Henry Parrish Jr., who put on a clinic with his 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Don Chaney Jr. contributed 61 rushing yards, and Mark Fletcher added 51 of his own on the ground.
Miami, widely expected to triumph, came into the game as 23 1/2-point favorites, a testament to their strength this season. Their victory extended an impressive winning streak over Temple, now standing at 14 consecutive wins, a record built over the years, dating back to their shared tenure in the Big East.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have padded their record with wins against teams like Temple and FCS member Bethune-Cookman. However, it’s worth noting that they also claimed a significant victory against a previously No. 23 ranked Texas A&M team. As they head into Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play in two weeks at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami’s confidence is undoubtedly soaring.
The game’s narrative was set from the beginning, as Van Dyke, who had considered departing during the offseason, displayed remarkable composure and skill. He swiftly connected with Xavier Restrepo for a 7-yard touchdown on the opening drive, setting the stage for Miami’s dominance. In the second quarter, Van Dyke’s precision was on full display as he found Colbie Young for a spectacular 28-yard touchdown catch, expanding the Hurricanes’ lead to 14-0. Van also contributed to the ground game with a notable 37-yard rush during the second scoring drive.
Van Dyke’s throw of the game was arguably a sensational over-the-shoulder pass, spanning 39 yards, to Jacolby George, which set up a field goal and further solidified Miami’s control of the game.
Henry Parrish Jr. also played a pivotal role, sealing Miami’s first-half dominance with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. He continued his impressive run in the second half, capping the opening drive with a 3-yard touchdown run and further extending Miami’s lead to 31-7.
As the game progressed, Miami managed to run down the clock effectively. Van Dyke and Restrepo teamed up once more for a 17-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, highlighting their connection’s reliability. A 39-yard field goal by Andres Borregales early in the fourth quarter extended Miami’s lead to 41-7.
Even though Temple managed to score a touchdown with just two seconds left in the first half on a 9-yard pass from E.J. Warner to Reese Clark, it was too little too late to threaten Miami’s dominance.
Defensively, Miami’s performance was equally impressive, as they held Temple to a total of 279 yards, comprising 268 passing yards and a mere 11 rushing yards. The Hurricanes forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Te’Cory Couch and a forced fumble by Thomas Gore.
Notably, Miami’s last visit to Temple was in 2005, and just like this time, it concluded with a convincing win for the Hurricanes. The stadium, although not filled to capacity, was clearly dominated by Miami fans, highlighting the Hurricanes’ nationwide support.
Tyler Van Dyke’s stellar performance also saw him reach a milestone, tying former UM national champion quarterback Craig Erickson with the 46th touchdown of his career.
This road victory showcased Miami’s formidable strength and depth. With a week off before their upcoming clash with Georgia Tech on October 7, where they open ACC play, the Hurricanes are not only 4-0 but also brimming with confidence. This marks a significant improvement over their 2017 season when they started 10-0 before faltering in the final three games, including the Capital One Orange Bowl.
