Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo Lead No. 5 Miami to Another Comeback Victory Over Duke

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo delivered yet another electrifying performance on Saturday, propelling No. 5 Miami to a 53-31 comeback victory over Duke. Ward, a Heisman Trophy contender, threw for an impressive 400 yards and five touchdown passes, three of which went to Restrepo, marking a record-breaking day for both players.

Miami overcame a double-digit deficit for the third time this season, showing resilience and grit that keeps their undefeated streak alive. “The most important thing is that we’re undefeated,” said Restrepo. “Without the team success, none of this would matter at all.”

Ward’s five-touchdown day brings his season total to 29, tying the single-season record set by Miami legend Steve Walsh in 1988. Meanwhile, Restrepo continued to etch his name in Miami’s history books. His 66-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter was a monumental moment: it tied Mike Harley’s career reception record at Miami (182), broke Santana Moss’ career receiving yardage record (now 2,573), and helped Ward match Walsh’s TD record.

“They both played their behinds off. They always do,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said after the game. “They have a unique chemistry… and those two guys, as much as they’re gaining all those accolades, they don’t talk about it. It’s not the end-all, be-all for them.”

With Ward and Restrepo leading the charge, Miami’s season remains perfect, and the Hurricanes continue to look like serious contenders in the race for college football’s biggest prize.