Three Stars: Miami Vs Duke

The Miami Hurricanes beat the Duke Blue Devils today at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL, 36-25. Duke transfers Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate had big games. The defense could not contain Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard, but got off the field on a few third downs, plus forced a turnover. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but I’ll take it.

Quick rant: I know Miami won the game, but man, the refs were extra awful today. There were multiple missed pass interference calls, the softest personal foul I’ve seen against Elija Lofton, and a blatant missed holding call against Armondo Blount in the red zone where the next play went for a touchdown. Today is why Miami Hurricanes fans talk about officiating as often as we do. Ugh.

Let’s get to the three stars of the game.

1. Javian Mallory

Miami’s stud freshman running back played his best game of the season today. Mallory is officially one of the most talented and trusted offensive players on the 2026 Miami Hurricanes roster. He looks like a replicant of Frank Gore. The way Mallory ran through Duke’s defense on the long catch-and-run touchdown as well as his fourth quarter 39-yard touchdown scamper. Oh, and Mallory picked up at least two linebacker blitzes head on, giving Mensah time to find a receiver. Coach Cristobal is lucky to have such a well-rounded running back behind Mark Fletcher Jr. Stats: 10 rushes, 71 yards, two touchdowns, three receptions, 79 yards, one touchdown.

2. Darian Mensah

The former Duke signal caller kept making plays today, despite his offensive line doing its best to provide as little protection as possible. Mensah was forced to scramble a ton. Luckily, his skill players did their part on catching the ball and making plays in the open field. Mensah only had the one touchdown pass to Mallory, but he made plenty of other quality throws. The play below was his highlight of the day in my opinion. Stat line: 30-41, 382 yards, one touchdown, zero turnovers, four rushes for seven yards. Love this dude.

3. Cooper Barkate

The other high-profile Duke transfer had his second big game in a row post Malachi Toney’s injury. Barkate showed it all today: route running, hands, speed, strength, wiggle. He really does have it all as a receiver. He’s also faster than he looks. That 40-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter was impressive. It would be great to see Barkate finish with two more hundred-yard-plus games to close out the regular season. I love the way he is playing right now. Stats: 8 receptions for 134 yards.

Honorable mention:

Xavier Lucas – He’s lucky that long touchdown pass on him in the fourth quarter didn’t count. (Sigh). Besides that, Lucas had a huge interception early in the fourth quarter that helped seal the win.

Mohamed Toure – Toure led the Canes in tackles today with 11 total, 10 solo. I know Sheppard abused Miami defenders today, but I liked the way Toure tackled in space overall, especially compared to other Canes defenders.

Speaking of overall, Miami’s defense is overall frustrating as hell. I am sure Cam will take them to task in G/B/U, but damn. And where is Damon Wilson? I don’t see his name at all in the box score. Yikes.

Who were your three stars of the game? Let us know in the comments below.