In Week 10, the in-state rival Florida Gators (1-8) visited the confines of Hard Rock Stadium to face the Miami Hurricanes (5-4). Miami was coming off a 26-7 victory over (11) Cal, while Florida was suffering an eight game losing streak, after winning their opening game (20-14 @ Georgia). The sold-out crowd was fueled from tailgating, the weather was great (80°/Sunny), and this good old hate-match was primed and ready.
Miami found the end-zone on their opening drive as
QB Daniel Yazzie rolled right and dropped a ball over the safety and into the hands of a diving
John Reed. Reed broke off his route and slanted inside as the two connected on a 26 yard play. The usually stead-fast
Paul "The Star Child" Stanley missed the PAT (his first of the season).
Miami's next drive had them marching down the field until
WR Ronald Awad "heard footsteps" and failed to secure the catch. The ball deflected into the hand of the charging
FS James Strayer. The Gators drew blood in the 2nd quarter on a 15 play drive that ate a staggering 10:12 of game clock. A goal line stand for Miami (1st and Goal on the four yard line) held the visitors to three points.
Those three points would be the only points allowed by the 'Canes and they would go on to score field goal (Stanley, 46 yards) and another touchdown (Yazzie to
Santacruz, 7 yards) to post a 15-3 victory. Santacruz had a 100 yard rushing game and saw the bulk of the carries once
Samuel Weatherford suffered a foot inury (and is slated to miss the rest of the season). Weatherford has 1,262 all-purpose yards and may return if the 'Canes are bowl-eligible.
Players of the GameOffense:
WR John Reed - 8 receptions, 106 yards, 1 TD
With the loss of #1 WR
Allan Hudak, Reed stepped up and caught more passes than the rest of the team combined.
Defense:
MLB Steven Williams - 9 tackles, 1 sack
Williams has been consistently solid all season long and was all over the field in this match.