Canes Defeat Colorado, 23-3

MIAMI, Fla. - The #12 Miami Hurricanes defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 23-3 in their home opener in front of an announced attendance of 51,228. Quarterback Kyle Wright threw for a career-high 264 yards on 20-of-39 passing with one touchdown in the air and one on the ground.

The Miami offense showed signs of improvement in their passing game from the first two games. Coming into the game the offensive line had allowed 14 sacks, but today they did not allow a sack despite heavy pressure by the Colorado defense.

"We protected Kyle better, but we didn't run the ball well at all," Miami head coach Larry Coker said. "I think that if we can continue to protect him [Wright] he'll continue to be a really special player.

Another area of improvement was their ability to get the ball to the wide receivers. Coming into the game Miami receivers accounted for just 15 of the 32 receptions, but today they combined for 16 of the 21 receptions led by Sinorice Moss who had a career-high five catches and scored on a deep out-and-up that went for 53 yards.

"I saw right away that Sinorice had his guy beat and it felt great to throw a touchdown pass in the Orange Bowl and hear the crowd react," Wright said.

The touchdown by Moss opened up the game for the Hurricanes and gave them a 13-0 lead in the second quarter.

They went into the break with a 13-0 lead at halftime and outgained Colorado, 214-142. It was the first time the Hurricanes had led going into halftime.

Colorado had a tough time putting together a successful drive, but did get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when Mason Crosby hit a 58-yard field goal with 11:57 remaining in the game narrowing the Miami lead to 16-3.

Miami put the game out of reach on the ensuing drive as Wright scored on a 2-yard run capping off a 9-play, 80-yard drive with 8:44 remaining.

Colorado would put together another drive late in the game, but a fumbled snap that was recovered by Kareeem Brown ended their hopes of scoring a touchdown. Brown returned the fumble 20 yards before lateralling it to Leon Williams. Williams returned it 65 yards for a touchdown, but was called back due to a personal foul on Jon Beason who according to the referees blocked the quarterback unnecessarily.

While the passing game got going this game specifically on short passes, but the running game had trouble putting anything together.

The rushing attack was led by Quadtrine Hill who rushed for 55 yards on four carries. Tyrone Moss rushed for 44 yards on 14 carries.

On defense, Brandon Meriweather was the top player of the game recording a career-high 12 tackles and an interception.

Marcus Maxey also recorded an interception. Maxey did not play in the second half due to a foot sprain, but expects to play next week.

Randy Phillips suffered a knee injury in the first series of the third quater and the extent of the injury is unknown at this point.

Miami hosts South Florida (3-1) on October 1