This Miami football team will face its most talented opponent on Saturday night against the Clemson Tigers. Both programs share a spot in the top 10 rankings with Clemson at No. 1 and Miami at No. 7. Both teams are undefeated going into this matchup. The Hurricanes will have to play their best game in order to dethrone the top team in the nation. So, do the Hurricanes have the recipe to beating Clemson?
Make plays
This offense is going to really need to get its playmakers the football early and often. Clemson’s defense gives up a total of 2.2 yards a carry. What Miami does best is run the ball, averaging 232.3 rushing yards per game. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is great at taking away what you do best, but that’s not going to stop Miami from trying.
This offense is going to need some help in the receiving game with the guys outside but most importantly the tight ends. Tight ends have had success against Clemson dating back to OJ Howard’s 314 yards against Clemson in two national championship game for Alabama, in addition to the two touchdowns LSU’s Thad Moss had against Clemson in last year’s national championship.
It’s a no brainer. Tight ends are going to be a big factor in the Hurricanes’ success. Luckily Miami has two capable TEs in Will Mallory and Brevin Jordan.
Get home
Trevor Lawrence Is the best quarterback in college football, and he can’t be comfortable in Saturday’s game for the Hurricanes to have success. Miami has to create some type of pressure on Lawrence, maybe force some throws or get out the pocket, but he’s also a runner and Hurricanes will need to corral him as well as his Heisman contending compadre running back Travis Etienne.
Easier said than done, Miami is going to have to force this Clemson offense to be one dimensional, and Etienne can’t go running wild. This Miami defense has what it takes, the big guys up front. Quincy Roche, Jaelan Phillips, Nesta Silvera and company have what it takes, and I am excited to see what they can do.
Cue the Turnover chain
This defense is going to have to play at championship level, and that means it needs to create turnovers. Fans want to see this defense impose its will on Clemson and get the ball back in the hands of quarterback D’Eriq King. We’re going to have to see that turnover chain around a few necks on Saturday night.
Silence Mistakes
Going into Death Valley with 17 penalties for 169 this team will have to, and I cannot stress this enough, limit mistakes. Clemson is the more experienced team and is easily capable of capitalizing on mistakes. It’s going to be crucial for this team to make less mistakes.
Overall
In a nutshell, this game is one eyes all over will be on. The Hurricanes coming out with an upset is very possible, but they’re going to have to play their best game yet in order to do so. The all-time series is 6-5 with Miami football up one. Let’s see if the Canes can pull an upset and get in national recognition.
