Defense Delivers Big Plays in Win over FAMU

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Justin Scott wasn’t even quite sure he’d actually gotten there.

The freshman defensive lineman, a former five-star prospect who arrived at Miami earlier this year with an impressive resume, dove for Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson and hoped for the best.

It didn’t take long after to realize that just two games into his collegiate career – and in his first game at Hard Rock Stadium – Scott had made his first sack as a Miami Hurricane.

“I just kind of dove at him, looked to see if he still had the ball and then I got up and celebrated with my teammates,” Scott said. “Ran back to the sideline, and everybody was hyped. … That showed I could do it. It’s my second game and it’s just the beginning.”

Scott wasn’t the only Miami defender to turn in a memorable play in what proved to be a solid defensive showing in the 12th-ranked Hurricanes’ 56-9 win over FAMU on Saturday.

The Chicago native was one of 27 Hurricanes to notch at least one tackle in the victory. He was one of six Hurricanes to collect a tackle for loss, and along with fellow defensive lineman Tyler Baron and Elijah Alston, one of three Hurricanes to register a sack.

And three of his teammates – linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, linebacker Adarius Hayes and linebacker Cam Pruitt – added interceptions, with Bissainthe setting the tone for the Miami defense when he intercepted Richardson just four plays into the game.

Two plays later, the Hurricanes (2-0) capitalized on the turnover, scoring their first touchdown of the day when quarterback Cam Ward connected with tight end Elijah Arroyo for a 17-yard strike that gave Miami the quick lead.

The Hurricanes would never trail, and their defense went on to not only keep FAMU (2-1) out of the end zone, but held the Rattlers to just 190 yards, including a meager 52 yards on the ground.

Limiting the Rattlers to just three field goals – especially with one coming after FAMU drove deep into Miami territory – was a source of pride for the Hurricanes’ defenders.

But those same defenders were quick to point out after Saturday’s win that they believe there is still room for them to continue getting better.

“I think it just shows a lot about our culture,” said Baron, who finished with a game-high three sacks and had five tackles. “It was just a real big culture play and I think it just shows how we’re wired.”

Added Scott, “Just keep it rolling, use each game as momentum for the next opponent and each week, we’re 0-0. We’re trying to get to that 1-0 every week, so yeah, on Monday, we go right back to work.”

Making Saturday’s defensive performance even more notable was the fact that several freshmen, like Scott, were among those who delivered big plays.

Both Hayes and Pruitt are freshmen. So are defensive back Zaquan Patterson, who had two tackles and broke up a pass, and defensive back OJ Frederique, who also had two tackles and broke up a pass.

“All in all, it was good to play a lot of players tonight. Certainly, a lot of young guys got action and actually played at a high level, particularly on the defensive line,” said Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal. “They seemed to get relentless pressure on the quarterback and do a good job stopping the run. Good to see those freshman linebackers get in there and get a couple interceptions as well.”

For Scott, the goal now is to continue growing.

And he says he welcomes the push he’s getting from his Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, Jason Taylor, and the experienced defensive linemen he works with every day on Greentree.

“Having coach JT, you know, a Hall of Famer, is one of the main reasons why I chose the program,” Scott said. “He just coaches me on all the looks, the little, small things. But also having a lot of vets – Simeon Barrow, Jr., transferred from Michigan State, Akheem [Mesidor] – just having [those] guys in front of me, [I’m] just learning, watching the film and seeing what they’re doing and just applying it to my game.”

Climbing in the Record Book

Two veteran Hurricanes continue climbing in the Miami record book.

Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo had four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown against FAMU and his performance helped him move into the No. 10 spot on Miami’s all-time career receiving yards list.

Restrepo has now accounted for 1,933 yards in his career, and on Saturday, he bypassed both Andre Johnson (1,831) and Allen Hurns (1,891) on Miami’s career list.

“It means a lot, you know, but honestly, the only thing that matters right now is that we went 1-0 this week,” Restrepo said. “I’m just super excited to take the field with my guys every single week. We put in the hard work Monday through Friday again to have an opportunity like this. It’s all God.”

Meanwhile, with five extra point attempts and a 37-yard field goal on Saturday, kicker Andy Borregales has now totaled 308 points during his Hurricanes career.

That now puts him at fifth on the Hurricanes’ all-time points list.