MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Cam Ward delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 280 yards and connecting with Jacolby George for two touchdowns, as the No. 11 Miami Hurricanes surged past Wake Forest, 42-14, on Saturday. Mishael Powell also made waves during the game, returning an interception 76 yards for a touchdown, helping Miami clinch a crucial victory as they look to solidify their spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game with a win over Syracuse next weekend.
Ward showcased his skill by completing 27 of 38 passes, additionally rushing for a touchdown himself. With his successful game, he set two Miami single-season records, surpassing marks that had been in place for 40 years by the legendary Bernie Kosar. Ward now holds the record for the most passing yards in a season and the most completions, bringing his total to 3,774 yards on 268 completions. Kosar had previously thrown for 3,642 yards with 262 completions back in 1984.
Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5) witnessed a highlight of their own when Demond Claiborne returned a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown, in addition to rushing for 62 yards. Starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier finished the game with 8 completions out of 14 attempts, accumulating 86 yards and one touchdown.
The match began with both teams quickly finding the end zone. Miami capped a swift 84-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Ward to George, going 6 for 6 in the process. Wake Forest countered with a robust 75-yard drive that was capped off by a 36-yard touchdown catch by Micah Mays Jr. This tied the game early on.
However, after the initial fireworks, the remainder of the game saw a defensive tussle, as neither team scored again until the fourth quarter. Wake Forest managed to gather only 118 yards from 50 plays—averaging just 2.4 yards per play—after their explosive start.
Powell’s interception return gave Miami a 17-7 lead in the second quarter, but this was quickly countered by Claiborne’s kickoff return that brought Wake Forest back to within three points at 17-14. The Hurricanes extended their lead late in the game, with Ward rushing in from a yard out with 7:58 remaining in the game, and after Wake Forest’s fumble on the subsequent kickoff, Jordan Lyle capitalized with an 18-yard touchdown run to push the score to 35-14. Lyle ended the game with a total of 115 rushing yards.
Wake Forest’s performance has faced scrutiny, particularly after a controversial play where safety Evan Slocum signaled for a cramp during a Miami drive, leading to significant booing from fans. Miami ultimately had to settle for a field goal after the incident, but Slocum returned in the second half.
For Miami, this victory marks the 16th occasion in the school’s history of reaching ten wins in a season, largely coming since 1983. This achievement also signifies the first time the program has clinched a ten-win season since 2017, making Mario Cristobal only the seventh coach to attain this milestone with the team, a feat he previously accomplished twice at Oregon.
In honor of All-American fullback and College Football Hall of Famer Don Bosseler, who recently passed away at the age of 88, the Hurricanes wore “DB 40” decals on their helmets during the game. Bosseler was a standout player for Miami in the mid-1950s, making his mark in the football community.
Looking ahead, Miami has maintained its position in the AP Top 25 rankings throughout the season, and their prospects appear promising as they aim for the ACC title. The Hurricanes are set to face Syracuse next weekend, while Wake Forest will look to rebound against Duke.
