2008 Week 17

UM's MLB Daryl Sharpton experienced a severe injury mid way through the season and his goal was to make it back for UM's bowl game. UM was able to Daryl and extra week to recover qualifying for the NC game. He was doubtful all week and as unable to play. He sat out for 8 weeks but, needed 1 more week to be recovered for game action.

Oklahoma controlled most of this game. They out gained UM 475 to 207. Maxwell Award winner Javarris James could not establish a running attack for the Canes. Maybe UM's only weakness is at QB with Kirby Freeman. He only had 19 TDs to 16 INTs this season. During the regular season whenever Miami was unable to get a running game going they would have hard fought games.

Miami was lucky to lead at the half 7-3. Their TD came on a short field after an INT and long return by R. Phillips. Oklahoma gained many yards in the 1st half and throughout the game but would falter near or in their red zone often. Miami's defensive line and linebackers played well. Colin McCarthy and Antonio Dixon had big games. Miami was able to put continuous pressure on Oklahoma's QBs. Joey Halzle injured his abdominal and was out early in the 2nd quarter. The next drive Sam Bradford injured his wrist and had to sit out for a few plays. That pushed red shirt freshman Keith Nichol into the BCS NC game, who had yet to throw a pass in collegiate football. He played very well before Bradford returned to later throw an INT deep in UM territory.

UM's true freshman Paul Whitfield was leading the Canes late in the 3rd quarter. UM went to a wishbone which was working very well after driving 60+ yards. Whitfield audible d
and called his own number just out of the redzone. He was able to get a 1st down but just before he fell after a tackle he fumbled the ball. Head Coach Jimmy Johnson challenged the play but, it was clear it was a fumble. UM would score on their next drive using the wishbone often with Whitfield but, that would not be the final score of the game.

UM was given a second chance on their last drive when Oklahoma stopped UM on 3rd and long but, was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for celebrating and gave Miami a 1st down. UM would continue to drive all the way to Oklahoma's 37yd line with less than 6 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. UM was stopped in the backfield twice on 2 runs and then sacked on 3rd down. They were able to pin Oklahoma back to their own 11yd line with a good punt.

On the final drive of the game Oklahoma sticked with the passing attack and shredded UM's dime defense. They even mixed up a draw near midfield with Demarco Murray and he broke for 13 yards. Juaquin Iglesias took a screen pass and almost broke it down the left sideline just before that play. Oklahoma drived all the way to the UM's 4 yard line with 55 seconds left in the game. Miami was able to stop 3 consecutive passing plays all in the end zone. Now with 18 seconds left in the game it was 4th and goal from the 4. Oklahoma spread it out again. This time they went inside with their 3rd WR Manuel Johnson who was covered by UM's Bruce Johnson. Manuel in the left slot faked left and slipped inside and Bradford threw a perfect ball even before Manuel broke back inside for an easy TD.

UM was unable to stop their passing attack as Oklahoma accumulated an amazing 432 yards in the air. Iglesias had 10 catches for 221 yards and Malcolm Kelly had 7 catches for 81 yards.