Miami Hurricanes roll past Stanford, 42-7, as defense clamps down after early touchdown drive

Miami turns a tied halftime game into a runaway win in Miami Gardens

The University of Miami football team produced a decisive 42-7 victory over Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, separating in the second half after the game was tied 7-7 at intermission. The matchup was the first on-field meeting between the Hurricanes and the Cardinal.

Miami entered the night ranked ninth and left with a 6-1 overall record (2-1 in ACC play). Stanford dropped to 3-5 (2-3 ACC). Announced attendance was 63,892.

How the game changed: Miami’s defense locked in after Stanford’s opening score

Stanford struck first on its opening possession, driving 74 yards for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. From that point forward, Miami’s defense tightened: Stanford did not score again and generated limited yardage over the remainder of the game, finishing with 144 total yards.

The contest remained within reach for both sides through the first half. Miami tied the game before halftime and then used a sustained run of stops and short fields to take control after the break.

Second-half separation: touchdowns on five of six possessions

Miami’s offense turned the tied game into a blowout with an efficient second half, scoring touchdowns on five of its six possessions after halftime. Overall, the Hurricanes scored on six of their final seven drives, with the lone empty trip ending on a fourth-down stop at the Stanford 21-yard line.

For the game, Miami outgained Stanford 404-144 and held the ball for 36:42, compared with Stanford’s 23:18. Miami did not commit a turnover, while Stanford finished with two.

Key contributors: Mark Fletcher Jr.’s three touchdowns, steady quarterback play

• Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. posted 106 rushing yards on 23 carries and scored three touchdowns, fueling Miami’s ground game.

• Quarterback Carson Beck completed 21 of 28 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, spreading the ball among multiple targets.

• Miami’s rushing attack produced 199 yards, complementing 205 passing yards in a balanced offensive output.

The first half was tight; the second half belonged to Miami.

What it means going forward

The result reinforced Miami’s ability to close games with defense and a downhill running attack, particularly once the Hurricanes established control of possession. For Stanford, the opening-drive touchdown showed early execution, but sustaining offense proved difficult once Miami’s defensive pressure and field position advantages accumulated.

Miami’s performance added another lopsided conference win to its recent history, marking the program’s largest ACC victory margin since a 47-10 win over Duke on Nov. 27, 2021.