Miami football is 3-0 and ranked No. 8 in the latest college football AP poll. As the Hurricanes take a week of R&R, I’d like to think it’ll be more recovery and regrouping, rather than rest and relaxation. Coming off its bye week, Miami is set to kick off against the ACC and college football’s top-ranked team - the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 10. This will be the Hurricanes’ third straight primetime appearance. Nonetheless, lets not get caught up in the hype. What do we know about this football team so far?
The search is over
This offense has tallied up 130 points in its past three games. There is a lot of work still needed before we can start questioning if this is a playoff-contending team, but the season is still ahead of us, right? One game at a time. It was exciting to see this offense score points against Florida State, but it wasn’t an impressive fight on the Seminoles’ part.
As the weeks go by, we start to see this offense click more with all of its pieces but the past was prerequisites. The real test is ahead. This offense is going to be leaned upon big time to score points in the future if the Canes want to continue to move their way into College Football Playoff talk.
I’m loving what I see from quarterback D’Eriq King incorporating his well-capable tight ends as well as the production from this backfield. A strong running attack will help this offense tremendously in the long run, but it is going to need to use this week off to clean up a few issues on the offensive line. If this young and talented receiving corps can come together and dial up some big plays for this offense, the Canes can’t be stopped.
High flying defense
Fast and physical! I was impressed seeing this defense really come together against FSU. The high intensity and physicality of this defense only allowed 10 points to the Seminoles. Bubba Bolden is unfolding before our eyes as a great sure-tackling safety. The defensive backs were going to have to step up and they did.Amari carter led with six tackles, Gilbert Frierson’s name was called multiple times, and Miami’s defensive line showed up big.
The linebackers are going to have to dominate in the run game next week against a talented runner in Travis Etienne. This defense is going to have to be disciplined in the run game and generate a decent pass rush in order to give this team a chance at upsetting Clemson.
A very “Special” teams unit
This unit gives the Canes a bit of a security blanket led by kicker Jose Borregales and punter Louis Hedley. Miami is confident if it comes down to it, it can always trust its kicker, who has been amazing so far for the Canes. To complement that, none of Hedley’s punts have been returned. This unit may be the deciding factor whether Miami football wins or loses next week’s ball game.
Photo courtesy of Seminoles.com
