This Saturday, the Miami Hurricanes will probably be coming into the sport with a profitable streak to defend. It is a profitable streak of 1, however a profitable streak nonetheless, and the Canes have not been capable of say that since early September.
Miami closed out the 2021 season with Ws over Virginia Tech and Duke, in order that opponent combo may very well be fruitful once more this season. The Canes conquered the Hokies final weekend and now the Blue Devils are in sunny South Florida to current The U with its subsequent convention problem.
These are the keys to Miami getting its second ACC victory of the season on Saturday.
Key #1: Dominate The Trenches
Miami’s line of defense has been on fireplace for the previous few weeks, regardless of what the workforce’s total file could point out. Led by demolition males like Akheem Mesidor and Darrell Jackson Jr., the Canes’ entrance line is without doubt one of the most imposing in not simply the convention, however the nation. Mesidor bullied Virginia Tech for 3.5 sacks and eight tackles final weekend, so keep watch over him to wreak some havoc on this one.
On the opposite aspect of the ball, the Hurricanes’ entrance 5 has been a bit lackluster currently. After a powerful begin, the unit appears to have fallen aside, particularly when marred by accidents. The Canes have sunk to No. 67 within the FBS for sacks allowed and that standing wants to enhance, for the sake of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke‘s well being.
The offensive line has additionally mailed in two mediocre dashing outputs, which has hindered Miami’s capability to attain within the pink zone. This must be a bounce-back recreation for the blockers up entrance.
Key #2: Include QB Riley Leonard
For Duke’s offense, all the things begins with sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard. He is thrown 9 touchdowns to solely 4 interceptions and has confirmed to be a succesful passer. However, the place Leonard actually shines is improvising with the ball in his arms. Final week towards UNC he had 130 yards dashing and a landing on the bottom. He is obtained 420 yards and 5 scores on the yr together with his legs.
Miami has confirmed to have a little bit of bother with cellular quarterbacks this season, so maintaining Leonard contained will probably be a precedence. If he is capable of get free, he may trigger some issues because the Hurricanes have struggled with open-field tackling in 2022. It’s going to be higher for the Canes to drive a pressured throw than it is going to be for them to break down the pocket and let him slip out. If they’ll maintain him behind the road of scrimmage, they need to be capable to drive a turnover on an interception or sack fumble.
Key #3: Proceed to Throw The Ball
Van Dyke’s thrown for practically 900 yards in his final two video games and the Hurricane offense appears to have an id, a minimum of one which it will possibly reach. Final week towards Virginia Tech, receivers Colbie Younger and Brashard Smith made strides towards securing their roles within the beginning line up. Wideout Frank Ladson additionally regarded like a dependable goal, particularly in vital conditions.
The air assault has flourished, however the Canes’ floor recreation has stalled barely over the previous couple of video games. Of their final outing, Miami’s main rusher Jaylan Knighton had simply 27 yards. Within the contest earlier than that towards UNC, the chief within the clubhouse was operating again Henry Parrish Jr., who had solely 19 yards.
Evidently, Miami must do one thing to kickstart its dashing offense, however offensive coordinator Josh Gattis cannot let the urge to repair that tempt him too removed from the unfold, which has been considerably extra profitable schematically this yr.
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