The countdown is over, football season is back!

The ‘Canes kicked off the 2014 season in front of an energetic home crowd at SunLife Stadium. With Miami legend Coach Howard Schnellenberger and the 1983 Championship team in the house, the ‘Canes put up quite a performance to honor the greats and defeated the Florida Atlantic Owls 34-6. Sophomore running back Duke Johnson (8) rushed for a career-high 186 yards on 19 carries.

‘Canes fans were eager to partake in the traditions that make The U so unique, especially the first spell-out led by none other than Sebastian the Ibis. Check out a few photos from last night:

words_kristen spillane. photos_raquel zaldivar.