The Miami Hurricanes held off a late rally from the Duke Blue Devils, winning a shootout, 52-45, on
Saturday in Durham, N.C.
Miami vs. Duke 2012 results: Hurricanes hold on in 52-45 shootout, beat Blue Devils
The Miami Hurricanes and Duke Blue Devils combined for more than 1,200 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns as the Hurricanes held on for a 52-45 victory.
Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
It was an offensive battle as the two teams combined for more than 1,200 yards on the day, 646 for Miami and 583 for Duke. Both quarterbacks had excellent days; Miami's Stephen Morris was 15 of 25 passing for 369 yards and three touchdowns, while Duke's Sean Renfree threw for 432 yards and four touchdowns in the losing effort.
While the Miami receiving corps spread out its yards and touchdowns, Duke was led by two receivers, Jamison Crowder and Conner Vernon, who had 203 and 109 yards respectively. Crowder and Vernon also had two touchdown catches apiece.
Miami's Duke Johnson led the game in rushing with 176 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.
The Hurricanes jumped out to an early lead with two touchdowns in the first quarter and built a 28-10 lead by halftime. Two more touchdowns and a Jake Wieclaw field goal had Miami ahead, 45-24, after three quarters.
Despite three Duke touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Miami held off the Blue Devils’ comeback bid to seal the 52-45 victory.
Miami finishes the season 7-5 overall and 5-3 in the ACC, while Duke finishes at 6-6 overall and 3-5 in conference play.
Box Score Hero: Both quarterbacks put up huge stat lines on Saturday. Duke’s Sean Renfree completed 36 passes for 432 yards and four touchdowns, while Miami’s Stephen Morris completed 15 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns of his own. Neither was intercepted.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither Miami nor Duke came into this game ranked and, even with the victory, the Canes are unlikely to jump up into the last top 25 of the regular season.
But Did They Cover? Miami entered the final game of the regular season as a 6-point favorite over Duke and the Hurricanes just barely covered that spread with their 7-point victory, despite giving up a late touchdown.
For More On This Game: For more on the Canes, check out State Of The U.
Next Week’s Schedule: Both Miami and Duke’s regular seasons have been completed but, with six wins, Duke will wait to see where they shake out in the postseason bowl picture.
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