Miami Wins 33-20 but Offense Collapses After Strong Start

The No. 5 Miami Hurricanes secured a 33-20 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday, September 18, 2026, but the win was overshadowed by a significant second-half offensive collapse and injuries to key players. The result marked head coach Mario Cristobal's 100th career victory. Miami dominated early, building a 31-7 lead by the third quarter. However, the offense stalled dramatically, managing only 26 yards over its final six drives. The sequence included four punts and a blocked field goal, allowing Wake Forest to score two touchdowns and narrow the gap to 31-20. The Hurricanes' defense ultimately held firm in the fourth quarter, securing the win. Quarterback Darian Mensah set an Atlantic Coast Conference record by completing his first 24 consecutive passes, a performance that fueled the early lead. He finished the game with a high completion percentage, continuing a season of exceptional efficiency. The victory came at a cost, as star wide receiver Malachi Toney left the game in the second half with an injury after catching 12 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Coach Cristobal described Toney's status as "day-to-day" following the game.