West Virginia got off to a favorable start in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
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It was the Hurricanes’ first bowl victory since 2006; 109 schools had won a bowl game since Miami last did it. Mark Richt’s first season at his alma mater finished 9-4. The victory for the Hurricanes could propel them into the Top 25. I know it’s up the voters. “They were ready to play”. We have the same motivations; he is a consistent guy that is going to work. He also viewed the game as a learning experience for his players. He was one of the best defensive coordinators in the game this year at Colorado and his departure to go work at OR is going to hurt the Buffs on Thursday night. After catching a quick screen, David Njoku broke a tackle and ran down the sideline before diving into the end zone. That touchdown occurred with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter and gave the Mountaineers a 7-.0 lead, and that was as good as it would get.
Kaaya said on the television broadcast he expects he’ll make his decision in the coming days. While they would have liked to have been playing in a more prestigious game they have to keep a positive attitude and keep working hard no matter which game they are playing in. Njoku, meanwhile, barreled his way into the end zone on a dazzling touchdown in the third quarter that showed every bit of the athleticism and power that has had National Football League scouts paying attention to his progress this season. The Hurricanes lost hard fought battles to Florida State and Notre Dame this season but were winners in their final four ACC league titles averaging almost 40 points per game in those victories, outscoring the opposition 152-76 over the 4-0 run.
Until the final 6:30 of the half, Kennedy McKoy’s six-yard touchdown run was all that separated the two teams. Brad Kaaya tied a career high with four touchdown passes while completing 24 of 34 passes for 282 yards.
The Hurricanes’ defensive line allowed only one sack, giving Kaaya time to connect with his receivers. On the first possession of the second half, Toyous Avery intercepted a Kaaya pass but was called for pass interference.
However, if Miami’s secondary spends too much effort stopping Shorts, then West Virginia’s quarterback is just as happy with going to junior Shelton Gibson and sophomores Jovon Durante and Gary Jennings.
Miami started out of the gate hot after halftime with a lovely connection by Kaaya to junior tight end David Njoku on 23-yard touchdown pass and catch, to cap off an 8-play, 75-yard drive which gave Miami a 28-7 lead after the opening second-half possession. Yearby, meanwhile, has spelled Walton quite a bit, rushing for almost 600 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
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Ahmmon Richards #82 of the Miami Hurricanes slips out of the grasp of Kyzir White #8 of the West Virginia Mountaineers on his way to a 51-yard touchdown run after a reception in the second quarter on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016. Following the 2nd half’s opening touchdown by the ‘Canes, Howard drove the team right down the field and capped it off with a touchdown of his own, running it in from four yards out.
