In the first three periods of its games this season, Miami looked like it did in its championship years, forcing turnovers and scoring points at a rapid pace. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, a game lasts four quarters, and inconsistent play in the fourth quarter has plagued the Hurricanes.
So far this year, Miami has outscored opponents 91-34 in the first 45 minutes of the game but has seen that advantage shrivel to a 46-10 deficit in the fourth. Late turnovers have plagued the Hurricanes, who sport a plus-five turnover margin in the first three quarters and a minus-two in the last.
In what appeared to be a blowout of then-No. 20 Texas A&M Sept, 20, Miami conceded all 17 of the Aggies' points in the final period.
Even though the Hurricanes came away with a 34-17 victory, head coach Randy Shannon was not pleased.
"We didn't finish the game," Shannon said. "Some guys didn't respond and that cost us points. I was disappointed in that because you work so hard to play like that and end on a good note, then something like that happens."
Much of Miami's struggles in the fourth quarter of that game-and in its entire season-came from the lack of defensive discipline. After allowing just 115 yards of offense over the first three quarters of their tilt with the Aggies, the Hurricanes gave up 125 yards in the fourth, allowing two touchdowns. In that same frame, Miami only gained 46 yards on offense, amounting in a field goal and a fumble.
The late-game miscues also cost the Hurricanes any chance of coming back against then-No. 5 Oklahoma Sept. 8, as the Sooners put up 20 unanswered points in a 51-13 rout.
Despite some high-scoring games, Miami's secondary has shown flashes of strength this year.
Strong safety Willie Cooper leads a defensive backfield that has allowed 181.2 yards per game in the air-fourth in the ACC-and has recorded seven interceptions.
"Those guys understand that we can't give up big plays," Shannon said. "We have had busted coverages. I think the defense is doing a great job now in the secondary. Those guys are competing around here."
After nearly losing in Durham last year, the Hurricanes cannot let their guard down against Duke. In that game, it took a last-second, goal-line Cooper interception to prevent the Blue Devils from pulling off the improbable upset after they scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Given Miami's play so far in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes may not want the last play to decide things again this year.
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