Miami continued its surge in college football on Saturday, defeating the Duke Blue Devils 36-25 at home. The victory lifted the Hurricanes to a 9-1 overall record and a perfect 7-0 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) competition, extending their conference winning streak to 11 games.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 382 yards against his former school, while running back Javian Mallory scored three touchdowns, including a 63‑yard catch‑and‑run and a decisive 39‑yard sprint in the fourth quarter. The win marked Miami’s first ACC victory in 22 years, a milestone the outlet emphasized as the program’s most pressing unfinished business.
Betting markets reflected confidence in Miami’s performance. CBS Sports reported that on the Kalshi prediction platform, Miami traded at $0.82 per share to win, with odds for a victory by more than 11.5 points at $0.545 per share. The combined points market for the game traded at $0.58 per share for totals exceeding 51.5 points.
The Hurricanes now stand as the only unbeaten team in ACC play with two regular‑season games remaining. The Orlando Sentinel noted that a win in either of those contests would virtually guarantee Miami a spot in the conference championship game, where they would likely face 11th‑ranked Wake Forest, a team that recently routed SMU 49‑7.
Beyond the immediate implications, the upcoming ACC championship carries added significance. This season will be the final one in which the conference crowns its champion through a title game; the expanded 24‑team College Football Playoff slated for next year will replace championship games with standings and tiebreakers. As the Orlando Sentinel highlighted, Miami has a rare chance to capture its first ACC crown in the traditional, on‑field format before that tradition ends.
What’s next: Miami’s next two ACC opponents will determine whether the Hurricanes secure the conference championship berth. If they prevail, they will meet Wake Forest in the ACC title game later this season, offering the program a chance to end a 22‑year drought and solidify its position heading into the national playoff discussion.
Sources: cbssports.com, orlandosentinel.com
