Take a look at the highlights, final score and top players from Wednesday evening’s Russell Athletic Bowl between West Virginia and Miami.
West Virginia was competing for a Big 12 title about a month ago with a chance to make a New Year’s Six bowl, but a couple of losses forced the Mountaineers into the Russell Athletic Bowl. The Mountaineers finished the year 10-2 and were matched up with a tough Miami team.
The Hurricanes, on the other hand, began the season 4-0 before dropping four straight and then ending the year on a high note with four more victories in a row. Miami played well in the first season under Mark Richt, but it’s disappointing given the fact that it was undefeated and ranked in the top 10 after a month.
Wednesday’s game was actually an underrated matchup between two teams that were once considered conference title contenders this season.
West Virginia got off to a solid start, scoring first on a six-yard scamper by Kennedy McKoy, but the Hurricanes scored three touchdowns straight in the second quarter to end the first half on a high note. Brad Kaaya was having a heck of a game, improving his draft stock with each snap.
Miami opened the second half the same way it ended the first, scoring a quick touchdown on a 23-yard pass by Kaaya, taking a 28-7 lead. That was all the Hurricanes needed as they added a field goal and West Virginia scored a touchdown to round out the scoring.
Highlights
Three Stars
Brad Kaaya showed up and showed off for Miami, passing for 282 yards and four touchdowns on 24-of-34 passing. This may be his last game as a Hurricane.
Ahmmon Richards was Kaaya’s top target of the game, catching three passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Skyler Howard, although he didn’t lead West Virginia to victory or even that many passing yards, threw for 134 on 17-of-26 completions, but led the team in rushing with 63 yards and a score.
Next Season
West Virginia will open the 2017 season at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., against Virginia Tech in an intriguing matchup. On the other hand, the Hurricanes have a tentative schedule with Sept. 2 empty and the first game coming Sept. 9 against Arkansas State.