The University of Miami Hurricanes closed out their home schedule with an overwhelming 41-7 victory over the NC State Wolfpack, offering a fitting tribute to their seniors and solidifying their presence as a force in the ACC this season. The Saturday afternoon game at Hard Rock Stadium was more than just a win; it was a celebration of leadership, team unity, and the culmination of months of hard work that has seen Miami climb to an impressive 8-2 overall record and 4-2 in conference play.
From the opening moments, Miami seized control and never let go. A pivotal early moment came when defensive back Jakobe Thomas intercepted a Wolfpack pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. The play electrified the home crowd and immediately swung momentum in favor of the Hurricanes. That early jolt sparked a defensive showcase that would define the game, with Miami’s defense limiting NC State to just 149 total yards — including a mere 29 on the ground. The Wolfpack, struggling to find rhythm, never managed to recover from the opening blitz.
Quarterback Carson Beck orchestrated a precise offensive performance, completing 21 of his 27 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns. His command of the field and ability to stretch the defense allowed the Hurricanes to consistently move the chains and score with efficiency. Freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. made a statement of his own, racking up 116 rushing yards on 17 carries. His explosive runs helped keep Miami’s drives alive and drained the energy from a faltering NC State defense.
The Hurricanes established a 24-0 lead by halftime and extended that margin through a balanced attack in the second half. Receivers consistently found space in NC State’s secondary, while the offensive line dominated the trenches, allowing Beck plenty of time to operate. On the other side of the ball, Miami’s defensive front consistently pressured NC State’s quarterbacks and shut down any attempt at offensive momentum. By the final whistle, Miami had outgained their opponent 581 yards to 149 — a testament to their comprehensive dominance in all phases of the game.
This win was more than just a statistical blowout. It was a deeply emotional moment for the seniors, who were honored prior to kickoff. The pre-game ceremony included heartfelt tributes and recognition of the contributions these players have made to the program. The energy from those ceremonies carried into the game, as the team appeared united by a shared purpose to send their senior class off with a win worthy of their efforts. Fans in attendance described the atmosphere as electric, with chants echoing throughout the stadium and a palpable sense of pride evident in every touchdown celebration.
For head coach Mario Cristobal, the win represented what he called the most “complete game” of the season. In postgame remarks, he praised the team’s discipline, execution, and emotional maturity. He noted that the performance reflected the progress the program has made in terms of culture and competitiveness. The victory also served as a form of redemption after some earlier season struggles, showing that the team is peaking at the right time despite postseason aspirations being slim.
With this game marking the end of Miami’s home campaign, the Hurricanes now turn their attention to the road. Their final two regular-season games will be away contests, beginning with a challenging matchup at Virginia Tech. While Miami’s path to a spot in the ACC Championship remains narrow, their commanding victory against NC State suggests they intend to finish the season on a high note, regardless of what lies ahead in the postseason picture.
Miami’s 2025 season has been defined by growth and perseverance. After enduring tough matchups and moments of adversity, the team has coalesced around strong leadership, emerging playmakers, and a commitment to improvement. The performance on Senior Day underscored that narrative. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement about where the Hurricanes stand and how far they’ve come. As the regular season winds down, this group has made it clear they’re not content to fade quietly. Instead, they’re charging into the final stretch with confidence, unity, and purpose.