Miami running back Duke Johnson suffered a season-ending broken ankle last weekend against Florida State. The injury had little impact on an already out-of-control loss to the Seminoles. On a grander scale, Johnson’s absence has the potential to derail what’s been a promising season for the Hurricanes thus far.
Johnson had been a workhorse since September, starting off with a 186-yard performance against Florida Atlantic. Held in check by No. 12 Florida and injured against both Savannah State and South Florida, the sophomore finally returned full-throttle against Georgia Tech, exploding for 184 yards.
Injury struck again, this time at North Carolina, forcing Dallas Crawford to carry the load in the comeback victory. Cleared to play a week later, Johnson churned out 168 yards against Wake Forest, highlighted by two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the late-game win.
Johnson rushed for 97 yards against the Seminoles before going down, bringing his eight-game total to 920 yards on 145 attempts. Last year as a true freshman, he rushed for 947 yards on 139 carries after 12 games.
The loss of Johnson might not be so detrimental if quarterback play was more reliable.
Fresh off an impressive junior campaign, Stephen Morris was expected to take another step forward in 2013. Instead, eight interceptions over the past four games has caused concern— especially with a stout Virginia Tech defense ready to create havoc this Saturday night in Miami Gardens.
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