On Saturday, I was flipping around the tv channels and found ESPN something televising Miami?s home game with UNLV. None of the other available games looked worth watching. I recall having seen a Xavier game in the 60?s at Oxford in the old wooden stand stadium as well as two club football games at Yeager Stadium. With a soft spot for the school?s beautiful campus and the quintessential college town, I figured why not watch the game.
It was halftime with Miami leading the undefeated Runnin? Rebels 24-10. I quickly learned that Miami?s starting QB was out early with an injury. In a matter of the first eight minutes of the 3rd quarter, UNLV knotted the score at 24-24. But after tying the game, UNLV kicked off only to have Miami return the kick 100 yards for a 31-24 lead. The ensuing Miami kick was returned but put UNLV fairly deep in its own territory.
A few plays into the series, a Miami defensive lineman deflected a UNLV pass into a linebacker?s hands for a pick 6. Miami led 38-24 as the 3rd quarter ended. The 4th quarter saw UNLV tie the game at 38-38. And in the waning minutes Miami drove into UNLV territory. A game-winning FG looked probable especially when a Miami running back ran some 15 to 20 yards to put Miami in better scoring position.
Unfortunately, the run ended with a punch-out fumble giving UNLV possession deep in their own territory with a couple of minutes left in regulation. Miami?s defense was unable to hold on a 3rd and 8. UNLv eventually kicked a FG to win 41-38 keeping Miami winless. I was disappointed for the Miami players.
The only reason I point this game out is that it was highly entertaining. Not sure about UNLV but I can?t imagine there is a whole lot of NIL money with Miami?s program. More importantly, even though it wasn?t Ohio State, Oklahoma or Alabama, it was fun to watch; and it seemed more akin to what college football can and should be about.
Topic: Miami loses heartbreaker hosting UNLV (Read 208 times)