Freshman Javian Mallory Scores Multi-Touchdowns, No. 7 Miami Hurricanes Rally in Win Over Duke

MIAMI GARDENS (Fla.) – The No. 7 Miami Hurricanes (9-1; ACC 7-0) derailed head coach Manny Diaz and Duke's (7-3; ACC 4-3) revenge tour with a 36-25 win on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Quarterback Darian Mensah completed 30 of 41 passes while throwing for 382 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Wide receiver Cooper Barkate caught eight for 134 yards.

Freshman running back Javian Mallory stepped up with 150 total net yards on 10 carries while and three catches scoring three touchdowns. The 19-year-old has put together remarkable performances at home.

After a slow start by both offenses, scoreless in the first quarter and field-goals made early in the second, the Hurricanes' initial touchdown drive was ignited by Barkate. He carved out a 40-yard play, then local star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. capitalized on a two-yard rush to punch the scoreboard.

It resulted in the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native in becoming the Hurricanes' all-time rushing touchdown leader – 36 total and counting.

Fletcher Jr. continues to insert himself in program history. He previously broke the all-time receiving and rushing combined touchdown record against UNC.

However, the celebratories were short-lived, as Duke star running back Nate Sheppard responded with a 47-dash for a touchdown to tie the game at 10 apiece late in the second quarter. After being held to 16 rushing yards on six carries, the 20-year-old found a clean gap, then went untouched.

Before halftime, the Hurricanes had an opportunity to score another touchdown, but Duke's defense caused a jam in the red zone, forcing a field-goal, which was good for 26 yards by kicker junior Jake Weinberg.

Early in the third quarter, junior running back Jordan Lyle immediately got the offense going with a 33-yard dash. After eight plays, initially, tight end Elija Lofton scored a touchdown, but it was revered because the 21-year-old was out of bounds before making the catch.

The Hurricanes settled for another short field goal, which was successfully converted.

Although the offense is still adjusting to the absence of superstar wide receiver Malachi Toney, Mallory delivered a significant 63-yard dash for a touchdown to extend the lead. After a failed two-point conversion, Sheppard responded with a 47-yard dash himself, then found the end zone for a second time to cut the deficit by a possession.

In the Hurricanes' first drive of the fourth quarter; 13 plays for 79 yards, Mallory capped it with a two-yard touchdown to regain a double-digit lead. As Duke looked to respond, veteran cornerback Xavier Lucas intercepted quarterback Walker Eget's pass. It's the Hurricanes' first pick since Bryce Fitzgerald against the Florida State Seminoles on Oct. 17 – fifth of the season. Mallory capitalized on the turnover with a 39-yard dash to the end zone.

Although Duke scored another touchdown late in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes recovered the offside kick to run out the clock and secure the win.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

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- "UM Men's Basketball Dips in Latest AP Poll, Dominate North Florida"

- "Does the Miami Hurricanes' Offensive Line Need Immediate, Drastic Changes?"