Miami’s 52-23 win over Pitt had the feel of a showcase from the start, especially on a day when Hard Rock Stadium was honoring the Hurricanes’ 2001 national championship team. Wearing the 2001 throwbacks, Miami came out swinging and never let up, building a 52-14 lead just two minutes into the fourth quarter before coasting home.
There were plenty of loud individual performances in the blowout, and Pro Football Focus’ grades help sort through who stood out and who had a rougher afternoon, using a minimum of 20 snaps.
At the top of the heap were Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney, with Marquise Lightfoot, Justin Scott and Xavier Lucas rounding out the best-graded Canes.
Mensah posted a 91.8 grade after going 31-for-37 for 387 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Toney wasn’t far behind at 90.8, and his day was historic: he broke the school record with 16 catches, piling up 194 yards and three touchdowns. Those two were the engines behind Miami’s runaway win.
Lightfoot checked in at 87.0 and made his presence felt well beyond the stat sheet. He led the team with four quarterback pressures and added two passes defended, including a breakup on a screen pass on third down, the kind of play Miami had struggled with against Florida State.
Scott’s 78.8 grade reflected a steady day in the middle, plus a fumble recovery. Lucas also earned a 78.8 despite not being credited with a tackle, because he didn’t allow a catch and broke up a pass.
The 36-yard touchdown in the second quarter came against Ethan O’Connor.
One name that should have been higher, at least in this view, was JJ Dunnigan. He finished with a co-team-high five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble that Scott recovered.
PFF gave him a 74.2, but that still left him just outside the top five. He was also charged with allowing one catch for 11 yards.
The bottom of the list was heavy on the offensive line and a few defensive grades that didn’t line up cleanly with the first look.
Ben Congdon came in last at 42.4, while Zechariah Poyser was next at 42.7. Seuseu Alofaituli finished at 51.5, Samson Okunlola at 53.0 and Ezekiel Marcelin, Jr. at 53.2.
Alofaituli’s issues showed up early, starting with a false start on the first offensive play and later a holding penalty that was declined because of another flag. Miami’s line also lost the pressure battle, with Pitt finishing the day with more quarterback pressures, sacks and tackles for loss than the Hurricanes.
Congdon’s pass-blocking grade was an eye-catching 11.8, and while that number stands out for all the wrong reasons, it didn’t feel quite as disastrous in real time as some of the low marks Miami’s line has handed out in other games. Still, it was not a good showing.
Ethan O’Connor, who gave up the long Pitt touchdown, landed just outside the bottom five with a 55.8 grade. He was credited with allowing two catches on three targets for 58 yards. The grades on Poyser and Marcelin also didn’t match the initial eye test, at least not from the first pass through the game, so those are worth another look.
In Other News...
Miami Just Got A Big Recruiting Boost With One Huge Twist
A'mir Sears has already given Miami plenty to feel good about, and now the five-star athlete from Christopher Columbus High School has delivered another boost for the Hurricanes recruiting momentum. The local standout, who committed in July, has reclassified to the 2027 class and plans to enroll early at the University of Miami in January, adding another headline-grabbing name to a class that has stayed highly regarded on the national scene.
Sears is still making his mark on the prep stage, too, lining up as both a wide receiver and defensive back while continuing to put together a strong high school career. For Miami, the timing matters as much as the talent: the Hurricanes have kept their 2027 class among the countrys elite despite some recent movement, and Sears decision only adds to the buzz around what the program is building. [Read more 🡒]
Miamis Elite Local Commit Could Arrive Sooner Than Fans Expected
AMir Sears has already given Miami plenty to feel good about, and now the elite South Florida commit may be moving onto campus sooner than expected. The five-star two-way standout, who recently reclassified and is currently at Christopher Columbus High School, has been putting up eye-catching production on both sides of the ball this season while settling in as one of the most prized recruits in the class.
What makes this development especially important for the Hurricanes is the local angle. Sears had no shortage of major offers, but he chose to stay home, and his reported plan to enroll early at the University of Miami could accelerate the timeline on his impact. For a program always trying to keep top talent in South Florida, getting a player of his caliber in the building ahead of schedule would be a meaningful boost even before he takes his first college snap. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Looked Dangerous But One Problem Could Haunt Them At UNC
Miami left the Pittsburgh game with plenty to like on offense, especially through the air, and the win offered another reminder of how dangerous this group can be when the passing game is humming. The rushing attack was solid enough to keep the offense balanced, and the good news out of the night was that Miami came away without any notable injuries as it turned the page toward North Carolina.
The bigger question now is whether that formula will hold up against a stronger opponent. Even after a productive showing, concerns about Miamis pass rush and pass defense linger, and those are the areas most likely to be tested in Chapel Hill. Against a tougher lineup, the Hurricanes may need more than offensive rhythm to keep control of the game. [Read more 🡒]