Miami [FL] blows away Central Michigan in 52-3 victory

The Central Michigan Chippewas (2-2) did something no other team in the country had done in 2026 on Saturday evening: take a lead against the #6 Miami [FL] Hurricanes (4-0, 2-0 ACC).

But that first punch would not be enough, as the Hurricanes would storm back to score 52 unanswered points over the remaining 53 minutes of game clock to shellac the visiting Chippewas by a final margin of 52-3.

The Chips started off strong, forcing Miami to punt at the end of a six-yard drive thanks in large part to Jaxon Cherry's 10-yard sack of QB Darian Mensah.

CMU would drive the ball down into Miami territory on their first offensive series, spanning 11 plays over 40 yards before trotting out Caden VanHuis for the 49-yard field goal attempt on fourth-and-eight, putting the visitors up 3-0 with 5:56 to go first quarter.

Miami needed only nine plays to respond, as Javian Mallory, in for Mark Fletcher, scored from four yards out to put the 'Canes back out front 7-3 near the quarter's end.

Mensah would show off his NFL-bound arm after the Miami defense forced a three-and-out, connecting on passes of 31, 20 and 11 yards– the last of which was a touchdown to Daylan Upshaw– to double up the lead to 14-3 early second quarter.

Jadyn Glasser made his first appearance at quarterback for CMU since their game against Colgate two weeks ago on the ensuing drive– but a snafu at the line would mar the drive, as the center snapped the ball on third-and-four before Glasser was ready. The ball fell to the ground, and the 'Canes would convert the turnover into a highlight-reel pass from Mensah to Malachi Toney to put the score at 21-3.

The game was never close after that, with Miami sending in the backups in on both sides before the end of the third quarter and CMU doing the same.

Central Michigan head coach Matt Drinkall knew winning against last year's national runners-up would be a difficult task– so much so, he admitted to managing player reps to ensure they got out of the game healthy.

Nonetheless, Drinkall was proud of his team's efforts.

"The majority of our team was playing NAIA, Division II, and FCS football last year, so getting ready for this environment is easier said than done," Drinkall said in post-game availability. "... They are incredible men, they were awesome the entire game. Our players handled themselves professionally, they understand the big picture. I can't tell you how mature they were. We're in great shape, we're going into league play now, three of the next four games are at home, which is huge."

Starting QB Angel Flores was under a snap count, finishing 5-of-7 for 20 passing yards and picking up eight yards on the ground. Jadyn Glasser played the majority of the game at QB, finishing 13-of-15 passing for 88 yards and an interception. Marcus Beamon also got late action, going 5-of-7 passing for 29 yards.

Morehouse College transfer Nick Woolford led the rushing effort with 21 yards on six carries and had 15 additional reciving yards on a team-leading five receptions. Tayte Vanderleest had 24 yards to lead the passcatchers.

Darrell Bryant Jr. continues his recent run of good form, with a team-leading seven tackles from the cornerback spot. Jaxon Cherry's development at the defensive tackle spot has also been a story, as the former linebacker got a sack and a tackle-for-loss against a Top 10 starting offense in the country to go with six tackles. Defensive back Coen Ali also shined, with five tackles, 1.5 TFLs and a forced fumble at the goal line.

For Miami, Darian Mensah finally had a game with less passing touchdowns than incompletions. Mensah's final box score was 23-of-27 for 338 yards and three passing touchdowns– though he did also contribute a rushing score early on. Chris Wheatley-Humphrey led the 'Canes in rushing, with 11 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. Malachi Toney was electric any time he touched the ball, scoring once to go with six receptions for 120 yards. No other UM receiver got close, with none getting more than four catches or 47 yards (Cooper Barkate).

Cameron Pruitt led the team with six tackles, but it was a field day for other statistics. The unit collected six tackles-for-loss and four sacks, forced a fumble (while recovering two) and also had an interception on the day.

Marquise Lightfoot had 2.5 TFLs, two sacks and a forced fumble– all team-leads.

CMU now prepares to face their MAC season opener this weekend, taking on the Akron Zips this Saturday, October 3rd. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern time.