The Miami Hurricanes hosted the Stanford Cardinal for an exhibition game, the first time that the 'Canes would take the field this season. More than 40,000 fans were eager to see what the new squad would look like after a dissapointing 2017 campaign. Head coach Joseph Graham opted to send his second string squad out first and brought the starters out for the second half, giving the fans a look at their "quarterback of the future" Paul Johnson.

Johnson did not dissapoint, completing 75% of his passes for 303 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an immaculate 158.33 QBR. Johnson showed poise and confidence, led the team to points on four drives, and was only sacked once. Freshman WR Jonathan Griggs turned some heads hauling in all four ***** thrown to him for a gaudy 110 yards and took three of them to paydirt. Ten different 'Canes caught passes in the game and the offense, as a whole, looked exponentially better than last season putting up 542 yards for an average of 9.19 yards per play.

The defense didn't miss a beat and kept Stanford in check through most of the game. Keeping Stanford out of the endzone, the 'Canes defense ceded a paltry six points on the day. All-American CB John Real tallied 14 tackles and allowed five catches on 11 ***** thrown his way. The 'Canes held the Cardinal to a net 50 yards rushing and 222 through the air, averaging 4.06 yards per play. A pretty solid effort which had a lot to do with the lopsided 38-6 final score.

The 'Canes have one more exhibition game before kicking off the 2018 season. Travelling to South Bend, the 'Canes will be facing the powerhouse Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Graham said that he wants to see how Johnson would perform with the starting lineup in the second exhibition contest remarking, "It's one thing to play at home in front of your fans against a team that didn't win a game last season. On the road, against a very good team... that's where you earn your stripes."

Starters were named at today's press conference. Head Coach Joseph Graham announced, "These are always difficult decisions. This year we brought 57 players into camp and a few guys really made a name for themselves. Let's start with our running backs, Steven Puryear will take over the void left by Jeffrey Santacruz (NFL Draft), behind sophomore starter Samuel Weatherford. If these two can stay healthy, they are a solid duo and a nice foundation for the future of this offense. We have two great fullbacks, Gregory Holton and Lowell Scott will split duties, but Scott will be designated as starter.

Exhibition RB Comparison


I really liked what TE Robert Delong showed, but unfortunately he won't be dressed on opening day. TE David Scott will return as starter and TE Courtney Robinson will be our #2 TE. At WR, Jonathan Griggs's performance has vaulted him to the #3 slot with Allan Hudak and John Reed lining up on the outside. We like to spread it around, so all of these guys will get their targets and I like what I've seen from them.

Exhibition Receiver Comparison


I'm not going to name any starters on defense, all of these guys are going to contribute and we're going to rotate and keep them fresh. We really have a talented squad and Whoever we send out there is going to perform. That's why it was really difficult to choose three guys to cut. I'd like to keep them all, but the roster limit is 53. So, with that said, the following players will not make the team: WLB James Retzlaff, FB Paul Fisher, and WR Ronald Awad.

The 2018 Hurricanes are ready to go and we're glad to have you all along for the ride!"

Reporter: "But what about quarterback? You haven't named a starter!"

Graham: (chuckles) "Oh, yeah. I forgot. heh. But seriously, I can't go wrong with this decision. I am confident that either one of these guys could lead this offense to victory. Paul Johnson's raw numbers were better, but Otis David has the experience. We're opening the season, on the road, against Clemson, the reigning ACC Champions and a team that outscored us 78-41 last season. I think that David would shine in this spot and, so far, Johnson has displayed undaunted composure. I feel that David has been a little more precise with his throws, he's shown great instinct out there, but he did get a little dinged in our last exhibition game. It was tough, and maybe if David's arm was 100%, my decision would be different. Starting under center in week 1 wil be Paul Johnson. Miami, you're in for a treat. Magic is about to happen."

Exhibition QB Comparison

BREAKING NEWS

Unnamed sources within the Miami Hurricanes Athletic Department have stated that red-shirt senior QB Daniel Yazzie will soon have his scholarship revoked and be removed from the football team. This may transpire as early as tomorrow and almost certainly before the Hurricanes next game (@Syracuse).