Miami Finishes Strong, Battles Back to Beat NC State in Season Finale
MIAMI — In a thrilling season finale, the Miami Hurricanes showed resilience and determination as they fought back from a late deficit to defeat NC State, 28-24, securing a dramatic victory at Hard Rock Stadium. The win capped off an emotional season for Miami, and the team’s performance on Saturday was a testament to their growth and fight despite facing adversity.
The game started with an electric atmosphere, as both teams came out strong. NC State, playing with a sense of urgency after a string of tough losses, wasted no time in setting the tone. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong delivered an impressive first-half performance, helping the Wolfpack build a 17-7 lead by halftime. Armstrong found his rhythm early, connecting with wide receiver Keyon Lesane on a touchdown pass and later adding a rushing touchdown to give NC State the upper hand.
Miami, however, wasn’t backing down. While the first half was riddled with missed opportunities and penalties, the Hurricanes regrouped during the break, determined to end their season on a high note. Head coach Mario Cristobal made key adjustments, focusing on spreading the ball out and leveraging the dual-threat abilities of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke.
The second half began with a renewed sense of urgency for Miami, but NC State’s defense remained stout, stifling the Hurricanes’ early offensive attempts. Miami’s first real breakthrough came midway through the third quarter when Van Dyke orchestrated a masterful 80-yard drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Mallory. This brought the Hurricanes within three points at 17-14, and it seemed the momentum was starting to shift.
NC State responded with a 50-yard field goal by kicker Christopher Dunn to extend their lead to 20-14, but Miami refused to back down. The Hurricanes’ defense, which had struggled at times during the season, stepped up when it was needed most. On a critical third-and-long play in the fourth quarter, defensive end Akheem Mesidor sacked Armstrong, forcing the Wolfpack into a punting situation and giving Miami another chance to capitalize.
As the final minutes of the game ticked down, Miami began to assert themselves. Van Dyke, who had been under pressure all night, started to find rhythm in the passing game. With just under two minutes remaining, he led a clutch 65-yard drive, showcasing his poise and accuracy. On the drive’s final play, Van Dyke found wide receiver Colbie Young in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown, giving Miami a 28-24 lead with just 41 seconds left.
NC State had one last opportunity to respond, but the Miami defense, led by linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, held firm. Armstrong’s final pass attempt was batted down, and the Hurricanes sealed the win, leaving the Wolfpack with a bitter taste of defeat.
For Miami, the victory was a sign of the team’s growth and resilience throughout the season. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries and inconsistent play, the Hurricanes showed that they could still rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Van Dyke’s leadership, along with timely contributions from both the offense and defense, ensured that Miami finished the season on a high note.
As the final whistle blew, the Miami players celebrated their victory, acknowledging the fans who had supported them through the highs and lows of the year. With this win, the Hurricanes can now look ahead to the offseason, where they will look to build on the momentum and finish even stronger in the coming years.
