Social media buzzing following Miami's 25-point comeback win over Cal
The Miami Hurricanes had the college football world watching last night as they faced off against the Cal Golden Bears, and it’s safe to say they put on a show.
After ESPN’s College GameDay kicked things off early in the morning in Berkeley, California, the Canes played into the wee hours of Sunday morning in what was one of the most exhilarating matchups of the college football season we’ve seen so far after mounting a 25-point second-half comeback against the Golden Bears to remain unbeaten.
With 5:44 remaining in the third quarter, down 35-10, the Hurricanes had a .6% probability to win the matchup, according to ESPN analytics. With their backs against the wall, Miami needed to respond in a big way, and taking charge was none other than senior quarterback Cam Ward.
Despite his sluggish start in the first half, Ward, who threw for 437 passing yards and two touchdowns, turned things up in the second half. That performance, which included the game-winning 92-yard drive, had many believing Ward had his Heisman moment in the Canes 39-38 win.
At one point during the matchup, on a critical third down when the Hurricanes needed a stop, former Cane great Michael Irvin was on all fours cheering on his alma mater. In the past two weeks, Irvin has been on the Hurricanes sidelines interacting and cheering on Miami’s player, which has created some memorable moments between Irvin and the Canes.
“Miami came into your house, sat at your table, held your wife’s hand, and ate your food, and now we’re leaving,” Irving said after the game.
Other former Hurricanes such as Deon Bush and Jon Feliciano joined the fun on social media as well.
Throughout the game, there were a handful of critical plays reviewed that were called against and in Miami’s favor, but none more crucial than Canes linebacker Wesley Bissainthe’s potential targeting call on Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
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After stopping Mendoza on 3rd and 12 with 1:50 remaining in the contest, the booth officials initiated a target review, which if called would have given the Golden Bears a first down, ending Miami’s hope of a comeback. After reviewing the play, the ruling on the field stood; Cal punted the ball to the Hurricanes, and the rest was history.
That call sparked a lot of controversy on social media, with many believing Bissainthe’s tackle should have been targeting and a handful of other calls should not have gone their way.
“Seeing a lot of tweets about the Miami Cal game,” On3’s JD Pickell posted on X (formerly Twitter) Very tough to pin a loss on officiating when you’re up 25.”
Following the game a handful of Miami players joined the fun on social media including tight end Elijah Arroyo who hauled in the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter that capped off the Hurricanes come back.
He tweeted, “If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR”, referring to a viral video from years back.
Hate it or love it, all eyes were on the Hurricanes, who are now 6-0 for the first time since 2017 heading into a much-needed bye week after back-to-back come-from-behind wins.
