OVERVIEW: Javarris James ran for 148 yards and Kyle Wright converted a crucial fourth-and-inches in the final minutes to help the Hurricanes hold off previously unbeaten Houston. The ‘Canes, unranked for the first time since 1999, rallied from a six-point deficit in the third quarter to finish off a 16-point underdog in the Orange Bowl.
TURNING POINT: As the Cougars were on the threshold of putting the ‘Canes in deep jeopardy in the third quarter, Miami’s Lovon Ponder forced Cougars running back Jackie Battle to fumble at the Hurricanes’ 10. Miami’s Chavez Grant recovered the fumble.
UNSUNG HERO: Miami H-back James Bryant switched from linebacker two weeks ago, and he caught the go-ahead touchdown — a 2-yard pass from Wright with 1:24 left in the third quarter. After that, the Hurricanes’ defense took over and didn’t allow the Cougars past their own 38.
WHAT’S NEXT: The ‘Canes should be able to place it in cruise control for the next three weeks, with back-to-back home games against North Carolina and FIU, followed by a road game at Duke.
