Mensah breaks two ACC passing records as Miami edge Wake Forest
The No. 5 Hurricanes’ quarterback completed 24 consecutive passes in the first half, extending a multi-game streak to 35 before injuries and defensive adjustments slowed Miami’s offence in the second half.
Miami quarterback Darian Mensah dismantled two Atlantic Coast Conference records for consecutive completions as the No. 5 Hurricanes secured a 33-20 victory over Wake Forest on the road. The Duke transfer completed his first 24 passes of the contest, shattering the previous single-game benchmark of 18 that had stood since 2012.
Mensah’s performance extended his multi-game streak to 35 consecutive completions, surpassing the prior ACC mark of 30 held by Mitch Trubisky. The Hurricanes’ offensive rhythm was established early, with Miami opening the game with three consecutive touchdown drives of 79 yards or more. This included a 14-play, 92-yard opening series that consumed more than half of the first-quarter clock.
The methodical approach relied heavily on underneath throws and check-downs while Wake Forest employed a soft zone defence. Although an apparent incompletion under pressure briefly threatened the streak in the second quarter, a roughing the passer penalty on Wake Forest’s Gabe Kirschke negated the throw, allowing the record to continue.
Adversity mounted for Miami in the second half as the Demon Deacons altered their defensive looks, forcing five consecutive three-and-outs. Injuries also began to affect the Hurricanes’ key personnel. Wide receiver Malachi Toney, who recorded 10 catches for over 100 yards in the first half, played limited snaps in the second half due to upper body soreness.
Running back CharMar Brown was carted off in the first half with an apparent knee injury, and leading rusher Mark Fletcher Jr. also departed the game in the second half. Despite these setbacks, Mensah finished the game 30-of-34 for 220 passing yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
The result continues a prolific start for the Hurricanes, with Mensah entering the match as the national leader in completion percentage. The performance underscores the offensive stability Miami has built following its record-breaking season opener, where Mensah and Toney both set new school marks.
