Miami Bounces Back Against Wagner, but the Shooting Still Needs Work
Miami needed a response after the Florida loss, and it got one in an 83-57 win over Wagner.
Taylor’s notebook · Miami sports
Miami Dolphins, Hurricanes Football, Miami Heat, and Hurricanes Basketball. Miami sports through Taylor’s eyes.
Article type
31 stories · Newest first
Miami needed a response after the Florida loss, and it got one in an 83-57 win over Wagner.
Jeremiah Smith is in a tier by himself. The next four are in the same tier for me, and they each give you something different. Charlie Becker can run away from a corner. KJ Duff can win with one still on him. Cam Coleman has the tools to be a No. 1 receiver, and Nick Marsh can make an ordinary throw turn into an explosive play.
Saturday, Nov. 7 · 7:30 p.m. ET · Notre Dame Stadium · NBC
The Heat were tied with the Warriors at 53 at halftime, then lost the third quarter 38-23. Golden State went on a 26-9 run in that quarter and won 120-100. Miami is now 3-6, and the two things that stood out most to me were how poorly the Heat shot from three and how much trouble they had defending it.
Miami just landed the No. 1 wide receiver from the 2028 class, and the Canes are getting him a year early. Five-star Jacksonville Mandarin receiver Brysen Wright chose Miami over Florida and Texas and is reclassifying to 2027.
The Heat were down 20, shot 10-for-40 from three, and still found a way to beat the Clippers 117-116 in overtime. After the way Miami defended against the Lakers, I wanted to see a better effort on that end. The second quarter was brutal, but the defense made some of the biggest plays of the night when Miami needed them.
There are three running backs at the top of this class for me: Jadan Baugh, Kewan Lacy and LJ Martin. Setting injuries aside, I see very few major holes in their games. Each can lead an NFL backfield and contribute on passing downs.
After two encouraging wins, this was a frustrating performance. The Heat lost 138-117 to the Lakers, and the defense never found an answer for Luka Dončić.
Miami opened the season with a 77-67 loss to No. 1 Florida. I liked some things, especially from Acaden Lewis and Somto Cyril, but the Canes struggled to finish inside, committed too many fouls, and let their turnovers become Florida points.
This was a frustrating one. Miami led 13-3 at halftime and had a chance to build on last week’s win over the Jets. Instead, the offense stalled, New England found explosive plays, and the Dolphins lost 24-19.
Miami leaves Chapel Hill with a 38-35 win and an undefeated record, but it was closer than I wanted. The offense kept answering, while the defense struggled to tackle and get off the field.
The Dolphins finally have something to build on. After picking up their first win under Jeff Hafley with a 28-25 victory over the Jets, Miami returns home looking to beat another division rival.
This is more of what I wanted to see. The Heat beat the Pacers 145-125 to pick up their second straight win and open NBA Cup play with a victory. The start was rough defensively, but Miami adjusted; the offense flowed, and you could see the vision for how this team can play.
No. 1 Miami (7–0, 5–0 ACC) at North Carolina (4–3, 2–2 ACC)
Bam made franchise history, Davion kept Miami moving, and Wiggins and Pelle delivered as the Heat earned their first win, 129-117 over Atlanta. My five takeaways, including Hardaway’s defensive struggles and Giannis’s growing off-ball role.
My top five quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft, their strengths and concerns, and how they fit Jon-Eric Sullivan’s plan to build around Malik Willis; plus a late-round option worth watching for Miami.
The Heat are 0–4, and the problems go beyond missed shots. My takeaways from the Mavericks loss: the Bam–Giannis fit, an underperforming supporting cast, players who deserve more minutes and an effort level that needs to improve before Miami heads to Atlanta.
Jai Lucas has assembled what I believe is Miami’s most talented roster and deepest bench in school history. My season preview breaks down the players, key nonconference games and why anything short of the Sweet 16 would be a disappointment.
Caleb Douglas returned with two touchdowns, Malik Willis played more decisively, and Miami protected the football against the Jets. My five takeaways, including Chop Robinson’s pressure, Michael Taaffe’s interception and Ollie Gordon’s physical running.
Malachi Toney’s record-setting performance led Miami to a 52-23 win over Pitt. My four takeaways on Toney’s value, Javian Mallory’s growing role, a dominant defensive line, and why Mario Cristobal has this program heading in the right direction.
Miami’s fourth-quarter comeback showed a glimpse of how this team is supposed to look, but the Heat still fell 115–110 to Charlotte. Davion Mitchell stood out, while the Bam–Giannis fit and rebounding remain concerns. At 0-3 for the first time since 2007-08, Miami needs to make adjustments.
Caleb Douglas returns as Miami heads to New York. My keys against the Jets: establish the run with Ollie Gordon, win the turnover battle, and finally get consistent pressure on Geno Smith.
Two games in, I’m not ready to write this Heat team off. My takeaways from the Pistons loss, including missed open 3s, Bam finding his fit, and why better defense can get Miami running.
Miami breaks out the throwbacks and honors the 2001 team against Pitt. My three keys to a win are attacking Pitt’s defense through the air, forcing its shorthanded offense to throw, and my score prediction.
Giannis is going to be in the MVP conversation, but Miami has a lot to clean up defensively. Here’s what stood out against Minnesota and what I want to see tonight against Detroit.
Miami enters this week looking for a more complete performance after a game against Minnesota that featured encouraging defensive moments but an inconsistent offense. Caleb Douglas remains out, while Cincinnati appears set to field its full group, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That creates a tough challenge for Miami’s secondary and puts more emphasis on sustaining drives. Here are six things I’m watching.
Miami’s performance against Minnesota gave me a mix of encouraging signs and areas that still need work. Here are my six biggest takeaways:
The Dolphins head to Minnesota at 0-3, still searching for their first win after a 24–10 loss to Kansas City. The Vikings are 3-0, powered by Brian Flores’s aggressive defense and a pass rush featuring rising superstar Dallas Turner. With De’Von Achane out for the year and Jaylen Wright questionable, Miami needs contributions from its remaining backs while helping Malik Willis handle the pressure. Here are six things I’m watching.
The Dolphins stayed within one score of the Chiefs into the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 24–10. Miami is still searching for its first win, though this game gave me a few encouraging individual performances to take away. Here is what stood out.
Your Miami Dolphins (0-2) host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) in their home opener, looking for their first win of the Jeff Hafley regime, with a lot to account for on both sides of the ball. Here are the six things I’ll be watching.
One fan. Miami teams. Plenty to say.
Follow the RSS feed