Miami hosted Stanford in an ACC game that it needed to win after its first loss of the season. After a rocky start, the No. 9 Hurricanes turned it on in the second half en route to a comfortable 42-7 win in camo uniforms.
If parts of the previous paragraph seem baffling, that’s how the game started. Carson Beck and the Hurricanes (6-1, 2-1) moved into Stanford territory three times, but a missed field goal and turnover on downs sent them into halftime tied 7-7. But the defense turned it on after that, snaring two interceptions off Ben Gulbranson and getting help from two electric Malachi Toney punt returns.
Mark Fletcher Jr. ran for 106 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, all coming in the third quarter. Beck bounced back from his four-interception game in last week’s loss to Louisville with an efficient if not flashy day, completing 75% of his passes for 189 yards and a touchdown to CJ Daniels, who leaped over the defender’s head to grab it.
The Cardinal (3-5, 2-3) stunned the Miami crowd with an opening drive that went 74 yards for a touchdown, a Gulbranson pass to Caden High. But they managed only 62 yards after that, with Wesley Bissainthe and Xavier Lucas picking Gulbranson off on back-to-back drives. The QB was benched in the fourth quarter having gone 9 of 21 for just 50 yards. Cole Tabb had 64 yards on 19 carries.
Miami still doesn’t control its own destiny in the ACC championship race, but it will improve its odds if it wins next week at SMU, the Hurricanes’ first game outside of Florida this season. A spot in the College Football Playoff should be theirs as long as they don’t slip up again.
The Palm Beach Post brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Check it out.
Miami vs Stanford score updates
Miami football highlights
Carson Beck stats
Georgia transfer Carson Beck had his worst game of the season in last week’s loss to Louisville, throwing four interceptions without a touchdown. He went 5 for 5 on Miami’s first drive against Stanford. He hit Malachi Toney for a fourth-down conversion in the second quarter, but CJ Daniels dropped a fourth-down throw later in the drive. He lobbed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Daniels at the end of the first half.
Here’s how he’s fared tonight:
Elijah Brown in as Stanford quarterback after Jordan Lyle touchdown
After a Stanford three-and-out, Mark Fletcher got three more runs to get over 100 yards, then Carson Beck went 4 of 4 for 49 yards to set up Jordan Lyle with a 17-yard touchdown run. Elijah Brown came in on the next drive for the Cardinal at quarterback. Ben Gulbranson was 9 of 21 for 50 with a touchdown and two interceptions. Score: Miami 35, Stanford 7, 9:32 in 4Q
Another Miami interception, another Mark Fletcher touchdown
The Hurricanes are finally starting to pull away behind their defense. Ben Gulbranson lofted a ball on an out that Xavier Lucas jumped and picked off. Miami then fed Stanford a diet of four Mark Fletcher Jr. runs for 33 yards and his third score of the game, a career high. He’s up to 96 yards rushing on 20 carries. No other ‘Cane has more than five. Score: Miami 28, Stanford 7, end of 3Q
Wesley Bissainthe interception sets up Mark Fletcher touchdown
Pressure by Rueben Bain and Marquise Lightfoot forced Ben Gulbranson into a bad pass that was snagged by linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, who nearly rumbled all the way back for a touchdown. It was his first pick of the season. On the next play, Mark Fletcher punched it in from 3 yards out to give Miami a little cushion. Gulbranson has completed barely over 50% of his passes for 50 yards. He had 25 on the Cardinal’s opening drive. Score: Miami 21, Stanford 7, 3:48 in 3Q
Another big Malachi Toney punt return
After another Stanford three-and-out and with the Florida rain starting to fall, Malachi Toney once again broke out for a big punt return, sliding through tacklers for 42 yards down to the Cardinal 30. That’s 73 yards on two returns in the third quarter, adding to his 38 receiving yards and 13 rushing yards.
However, Mario Cristobal called three runs up the middle to Mark Fletcher with one short pass mixed in, and he was swallowed up by nose tackle Jacobi Murray on fourth-and-1. The Hurricanes are 3 for 5 on fourth downs tonight and twice have turned it over on downs within field-goal range. Score: Miami 14, Stanford 7, 6:29 in 3Q
Malachi Toney punt return sets up Miami touchdown
Rueben Bain finally made his presence felt on Stanford’s first drive after halftime, forcing Ben Gulbranson into an intentional grounding with a gorgeous spin around the right tackle. Then Armondo Blount and David Blay combined for a sack on the next play. Malachi Toney set up Miami at Stanford’s 40-yard line by slipping through tacklers on the punt return.
Carson Beck started the drive with a 22-yard completion to Tony Johnson, and Mark Fletcher finished the drive with a swing pass and two straight dives for a touchdown. Score: Miami 14, Stanford 7, 9:34 in 3Q
Miami vs Stanford halftime stats
Offense has been lax in the first half with the Hurricanes only scoring on one of their three trips into Stanford territory and the Cardinal stalling after their impressive opening drive. Miami nearly doubled Stanford’s time of possession (19:40-10:20) and outgained them 176-97.
Malachi Toney leads Miami receivers with four catches for 38 yards, while CJ Daniels has UM’s touchdown but just two catches for 4 yards. Mark Fletcher is the only Miami running back with decent numbers: nine carries for 32 yards. The Canes overall have 69 yards on 19 carries (3.6 ypc). Meanwhile, Stanford’s Cole Tabb has 11 carries for 58 yards, though 44 of those came on the first drive.
Cardinal QB Ben Gulbranson is 6 of 11 for just 34 yards and was 2 of 6 for 9 yards after throwing his touchdown to Caden High on their first possession. Stanford is due to get the second-half kickoff.
CJ Daniels Mosses Stanford for Miami touchdown
Miami turned it over on downs at the Stanford 24-yard line on a CJ Daniels drop on fourth-and-3. The Hurricanes had converted a fourth-and-4 earlier in the drive when Carson Beck hit Malachi Toney on the left side. They got it back after a Cardinal three-and-out and moved past midfield for the third time in four possessions. After Beck scrambled up the middle for eight yards, Mark Fletcher Jr. powered up the gut for a fourth-and-1 conversion, their third already. Malachi Toney was tripped up in the backfield on a jet sweep from the 19, but he maintained his balance and turned what should have been a loss into a 13-yard gain to set up first-and-goal from the 6.
CJ Daniels was wide open in the end zone, but Beck delivered the ball late that ended up behind him, and the LSU transfer couldn’t bring the ball in as it bounced on the turf. Beck went back to him on the next play, lobbing a fade that a leaping Daniels caught over the back of Collin Wright.
Score: Miami 7, Stanford 7, 1:15 in 2Q
Stanford scores first on Ben Gulbranson touchdown pass
Cole Tabb pushed up the middle on fourth-and-1 from midfield to keep Stanford’s opening drive moving. On the next play, he scampered 28 yards down the left to get into the red zone. Ben Gulbranson made some solid precision passes on the drive, eventually finding Caden High right on the sideline in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown. It’s an alarming start for the No. 15 Hurricanes defense playing without Akheem Mesidor tonight. Score: Stanford 7, Miami 0, 4:35 in 1Q
Miami camo jerseys
The Hurricanes going “camo mode” with their Adidas “Honor and Support” uniforms tonight against Stanford. The green-and-tan camo jerseys paired with solid green pants certainly make a statement. Is it a good look? Or should they keep these on the shelf from here on out? Cast your vote.
Miami took the opening kickoff down the field, but Carter Davis missed a 44-yard field goal. Score: Miami 0, Stanford 0, 9:58 in 1Q
Where to watch Miami vs Stanford
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Akheem Mesidor out: Miami vs Stanford injury updates
Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor was ruled out after being a game-time decision on the final availability report. He reportedly was seen in a walking boot during practice this week after injuring his foot last week against Louisville.
Linebacker Bobby Washington Jr. and defensive lineman Mykah Newton are out, as is backup tight end Jack Nickel.
Stanford’s lead running back, Micah Ford, was listed as out. Safety Jay Green is also out. Cornerback Collin Wright is listed as a game-time decision.
Miami Hurricanes uniforms today
The Hurricanes’ camo uniforms are making their debut tonight on Military Appreciation Night. The jerseys feature digital camouflage and are paired with olive green pants and a black helmet.
Stanford will wear cardinal red helmets and pants with their traditional road white jersey.
Miami vs Stanford predictions
Who is starting for Stanford at quarterback?
Ben Gulbranson left last week’s game against Florida State in the second quarter after taking a hard hit. He was not listed on the final ACC availability report before the game, meaning he will likely start tonight. The redshirt senior has completed 58.4% of his passes this season for 1,535 yards and seven touchdowns against five interceptions. His backup is redshirt freshman Elijah Brown, who went 6 of 12 for 71 yards in relief last week.
Miami vs Stanford weather updates
AccuWeather predicts 80 degrees with intermittent clouds at kickoff in Miami Gardens. Winds are expected to blow out of the northeast at 15 mph. There is about a 50% chance of rain showers.
Miami schedule 2025
Here is Miami’s schedule and results. All times Eastern.
*- ACC game
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami football vs Stanford highlights. Hurricanes run away from Cardinal in 2nd half
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
