Arkansas State coaches spent all week preparing for Duke Johnson and Miami's stout running game. But ASU was buried Saturday by Brad Kaaya, Phillip Dorsett and a Hurricanes' passing game that staked them to an early lead in a 41-20 victory at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Kaaya, a true freshman starting his third college game, connected with Dorsett on Miami's second play for a 63-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
Kaaya also connected with Dorsett for 51 yards on the next drive to set up a touchdown and another 63-yard score in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.
Kaaya finished 16 of 24 for 342 yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception, with much of that production going through Dorsett, who caught 4 passes for 201 yards yards and 2 touchdowns for Miami (2-1). Dorsett missed the Miami single-game receiving record by 19 yards while downing the Red Wolves (1-2).
ASU had its chances, but couldn't consistently move the ball without running back Michael Gordon, who didn't play because of bruised ribs, and ASU was held to 93 yards rushing, 83 of which were gained by Johnston White.
Quarterback Fredi Knighten completed 22 of 40 passes for 217 yards, rushed for a touchdown and caught a 19 yard touchdown pass from receiver Tres Houston. Despite holding an 89-61 edge in total plays, ASU was out-yarded 488-329.
ASU Coach Blake Anderson tried a few tricks to keep it close.
Punter Luke Ferguson faked a punt in the second quarter, but his pass was intercepted. And Ferguson, who missed two first-half field goals and an extra point, recovered an onside kick to open the third quarter, but ASU was forced to punt.
Read Sunday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more on this story.