The Miami Hurricanes ended 2014 with a fourth straight loss on Saturday as they fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks 24-21.
The loss came in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl and continues a stretch of postseason defeats for Miami. The school has not picked up a postseason victory since 2006 when it beat Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl.
After losing its last three regular season games, this defeat gave UM a 6-7 record in 2014. Despite the lackluster season, head coach Al Golden is expected to return in 2015 but it appears he will be without his top performer. Duke Johnson who enjoyed a great season is reportedly headed to the NFL.
Brad Kaaya ended his freshman year with a 19-33 day. The quarterback threw one touchdown pass along with one interception. Kaaya had 236 yards on the day in the air. The TD pass with about two minutes to play gave Miami a chance before South Carolina ran the clock out.
Johnson had an up-and-down day in what was likely his last game in Miami. The running back had 24 carries which were good for 132 yards. Johnson also caught five passes for an additional 51 yards of offense. Johnson however had a costly fumble during the game which played a significant role in the loss.
Johnson fumbled the ball deep into the fourth quarter with Miami only down by three. The Gamecocks turned that fumble into a TD which put them up by ten at the time. It was the second turnover of the day for UM while the Gamecocks had none.
