We’ve heard all week that Kansas State has the top defense in the country and according to the NCAA stats, that’s true. However, Eastern Kentucky and Kent State aren’t exactly barn burners and helped pad some stats regarding the Wildcats’ 2-0 record.
Our old friend Arthur Brown is playing pretty well at linebacker for Kansas State, but I trust in Jedd Fisch to put a good plan together.
I expect another big dose of Lamar Miller this weekend. The redshirt sophomore is averaging over 150 yards per game on the ground so far this season and while Kansas State does have a pretty good defensive line, and Miami’s offensive line will have to play physical and blow some guys off of the line of scrimmage. Look out for defensive lineman Ray Kibble, who Miami players told us this week, is as good as it gets. He has seven tackles and a sack so far this season.
On offense Kansas State runs, what head coach Al Golden called, the “ride and decide”. It’s a spread option or read option offense and their quarterback Collin Klein does a good job running it. Klein is 22-for-39 passing, for 202 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also has 44 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
I feel a lot better about Miami’s defense facing a wacky offense with Sean Spence and Marcus Forston back on defense. We saw Spence in the middle a bit last week and it will be interesting to see where he lines up this Saturday.
Miami is a much better team than Kansas State on paper. The Wildcats don’t have the speed, nor the conditioning to keep up with the Canes in South Florida. The weather is already in the 50’s and 60’s in Kansas. It’s supposed to be a high of 90 in Miami on Saturday. Advantage Canes.
I think the Canes roll Saturday. Vegas says the Canes are a 11.5 pt favorite. I like Miami by more. I say Canes 34, Kansas State 17.
That’s my prediction. Here are some of yours via Twitter:
@BernardJoints – 34-13. A lot of build up bc of (Brown Bros) & we R gonna let it all out on them. BIG offense by the run game & Jacory impresses.
@aselvey – UM 28 KS 14. @millertime_6 has another big day and UM defense keeps Klein in check.
@McStudly – KSU 13 – UM 35 , Game will be close at half but UM speed,talent and depth will allow them to take over in the 2nd half.
@sjled83 – 31-14 Canes. Lamar Miller gets over 150. Spence keeps the defense nasty.
@brandoncane – Miami-38 KState-12. Miami’s given up 1 TD in their first 2 games vs MD/OSU. KState has played soft teams so far = not ready
@Bigduff14 – 45-20 Miami. Special teams gets a score and Travis gets 2 TDS.
@TheParish3000 – Miami 35 KSU 10. Miami is better than Eastern Kentucky, KSU worse than Ohio State.
@I_Simmons – 35-10 canes win. Miller 2td 175yds. Harris 250yds 2td 1int. travis 2td. 1 spteams and 1 rec.
@nlcharrison – miami- 31, k-state- 9 … lamar has a huge day again and the D holds k-state to field goals. (and hopefully J12 improves!)
… and we save the Mayor of the #CanesFam for last!
@CUTLERRIDGELAZ – Miami-38 K.State-17……Miami speed & talent make this one a mismatch. K State has NO ANSWER for #6….UM D has HUGE day.