Duke Johnson Sets Rushing mark But ‘Canes Fall to Pitt
It was supposed to be a night of celebration in Miami on Saturday night. It was senior day where the many seniors on the Hurricanes were to be honored for their four years of commitment to the program. It was supposed to be a win for a program in desperate need of something to hang their heads high on after another disappointing year. It was also supposed to be a historic night for Duke Johnson who needed under 100 yards rushing to become the leading rusher in program history.
Well Johnson got his record Saturday night at Sun Life Stadium but nothing else happened as the Hurricanes fell to the Pitt Panthers 35-23 making Pittsburgh bowl eligible and extending the Hurricanes losing streak to three.
Johnson rushed for just 89 yards on the night but that was enough to surpass Ottis Anderson as Miami’s all time leading rusher at 3,339. That was about it though on the night for Miami as they looked flat and disinterested for most of the game.
Brad Kaaya threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns but most of that came in the first half and the defense gave up 360 yards including 135 on the ground to the Pitt running backs.
For the Hurricanes it is a 6-6 season that could have been so much more. They lost games early in the season to Louisville and Georgia Tech that seemed winnable. They went into the Florida State game at 6-3 and had a realistic shot at finishing the season with eight or even nine wins but seemed to shut down after the late defeat to the Seminoles.
With 6 wins the Hurricanes will play in a bowl game but nothing that will be acceptable for this program. Yes, for the seniors, it will be a reward for their hard work and a trip to end their college careers on. They were hoping for a trip to Arlington or Pasadena, not Tampa or Shreveport.
About Dan Hauser
Golf and Sports enthusiast, Hurricanes supporter, Reds fan, UCF alum & writer for Country Clubs in Florida specializing on golf in South East Florida for Waterfront Properties.
