The Miami Hurricanes made Mark Richt a winner in his debut with their 70-3 victory over the Florida A&M Rattlers on Saturday.
Richt was named UM's head coach after the team finished last season with a disappointing 8-5 record. Things could not have gone much better for Richt in his debut on the sidelines. The Hurricanes dominated the Rattlers from the start and never let up.
This was Miami's first game at the new-look Hard Rock Stadium. Just two days after the Miami Dolphins played on the new grass, it was UM's turn. The end-zones remained the same as they were on Thursday. The most noticeable change was the Hurricanes' logo replacing the Dolphins' logo at midfield.
The Hurricanes showed consistency with at least 14 points in each of the first three quarters. While posting big offensive numbers, Miami's defense did a solid job of keeping FAMU off the scoreboard. A lone field goal was all that A&M could muster in the first half.
With 42 points in the third quarter alone, UM set a school record for most points in a quarter. The scoring came with starting quarterback Brad Kaaya leading the offense and continued with Malik Rosier later in the quarter.
Kaaya could not have asked for more with his first game of the year. UM's quarterback was 12-18 for 135 yards. Kaaya threw four touchdown passes and was not intercepted on the day.
Kaaya's strong day could not have happened without productivity from his receivers. A very positive sign for Miami was the ball distribution in the game. Four different players caught TD passes from Kaaya. The four were Christopher Herndon, Ahmmon Richards, Stacy Coley and Marquez Williams.
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Not all the work came through the air for Miami as the ground game was also productive. Joseph Yearby rushed for two touchdowns as part of a 105-yard game. Mark Walton added 116 yards of his own with a touchdown. For good measure, Rosier and Gus Edwards also ran balls into the end-zone for a touchdown each. Edwards had 106 yards on the ground and Miami had 373 rushing yards as a team overall.
In addition to the prolific offense, the special teams unit also helped. Braxton Berrios returned a punt for a TD of his own.
Miami will host the Florida Atlantic University Owls next Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
