Win Over Georgia Tech A Must For Miami

With seven games to play, it’s must-win every week for the Miami Hurricanes at this point. Regarding the ACC’s Coastal Division, the match-up with undefeated Georgia Tech is as big as it gets.

The Yellow Jackets are 1-0 in conference play and already got an early leg up with a late September win over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Knock off the Hokies and Canes and the Ramblin’ Wreck could all but punch its ticket to the ACC title game. In theory, at least.

Miami—coming off a spirited win over Duke—is in a situation where it must improve weekly, after getting off to a slow start with early losses to Louisville and Nebraska. The Hurricanes’ margin for error is zero in what will be a tight conference race and a win in Atlanta will help “The U” convince itself that it truly is a team reborn one month into a new season.

While the Hurricanes have struggled at times the past three years under head coach Al Golden, Miami has found a way to shine when Georgia Tech lined up across the field.

The Canes rolled 24-7 at home in Golden’s first season, with the defense and special teams making a statement. In 2012, arguably one of the most exciting games in series’ history—Miami leaping put to an early 19-0 lead, falling behind 36-19, tying it up in the final minute, forcing overtime and pulling out the 42-36 comeback win.

Last year offense stole the show, while thriving during an explosive final fifteen minutes. The Canes netted 551 total yards and scored 21 points over a six-minute, fourth quarter span en route to a, 45-30 victory. Still, the Yellow Jackets rolled for 335 yards on the ground and without some big play offense for Miami and a late pick-six, the outing could’ve spelled disaster.

Georgia Tech boasts another explosive ground attack this season and hopes to exploit Miami’s defense much like Nebraska did weeks back.

Quarterback Justin Thomas is the heart and soul of the Yellow Jackets’ offense—leading the team with 610 rushing yards and seven touchdowns after four games, though the majority of that success came against the likes of Wofford, Tulane and Georgia Southern—the latter of the bunch, who had the Yellow Jackets on the ropes and gave up a late score in a, 42-38 comeback.

Where Thomas is a bit more ineffective—the passing game. A paltry 38.9% completion rate weeks back against the Hokies, though the sophomore stepped up and made some clutch, game-defininig throws when needed, in a 7-of-18, 125-yard outing.

Thomas has another oversized receiver at his disposal—which always seems to be the case for undersized Georgia Tech quarterbacks. DeAndre Smelter stands 6’3″ and averages 24.2 yards per reception, with four touchdowns on the season. For a non-passing team, this duo remains a legitimate threat that could burn a spotty Hurricanes’ secondary easily lulled to sleep by the consistent ground game.

Defensively the Yellow Jackets are a bit of a mystery simply based on (lack of) talent faced. A spotty secondary and shaky defensive line could give Canes’ quarterback Brad Kaaya a lot to work with, while the tandem of Duke Johnson and Joe Yearby on the ground should keep the chains moving.

Miami learned last week against Duke that success on first and second down is the name of the game. Muster up some momentum and create those desirable third-and-short situations.

Even in a win, the Hurricanes were a disturbing 2-of-16 on third down conversions against the Blue Devils—a trend that’s been in effect since week one at Louisville (1-of-13), carried over to lesser foes like Florida A&M (2-of-10) and Arkansas State (5-of-12) and again reared its ugly head at Nebraska (4-of-10).

Establishing a solid ground attack, moving the chains and setting up makable third downs will eventually set the stage for Kaaya to take some deep shots with a Phillip Dorsett or Stacy Coley—but offensive coordinator James Coley needs to find success and stability first before getting too cutesy. Three-and-outs are huge victories for Georgia Tech in a game like this at home.

On the defensive side of the ball, back to assignment football, staying in gaps and avoiding freelancing when tempted to make a play. Nebraska killed Miami on the ground due to a lack of discipline by the Hurricanes and against the likes of a Georgia Tech, it’ll be an absolute disaster if guys don’t do what they’re supposed to do.

Linebacker Denzel Perryman has to be the heart and soul of the Hurricanes’ defense in a game like tonight’s. A senior, team leader, veteran and playmaker, Miami will go as far as Perryman goes—as solid middle linebacker play is needed to thwart the triple option attack.

It will also take another yeoman’s effort from an in-progress Miami defensive line, reshuffling players and relying on youth. The Hurricanes front seven was aggressive and came to play against the Blue Devils last week and will need to bring that same intensity to Atlanta.

Lastly, scheme-wise both Golden and defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio will need to bring another tweaked game plan to the table.

While both credited better tackling and execution for last week’s win over Duke, a simple rewatch of the past two games offered up definitive proof that changes were made—especially with bringing safeties up to stop the run and putting more pressure on a quarterback who struggles to pass the ball.

This isn’t a time for egos or being right—it’s about doing all it takes to get the win, so an aggressive game plan akin to what Miami had for Duke last week; it’s a must.

While nothing can be taken for granted with this up-and-down Hurricanes team—consistently inconsistent the past several years—there is a sense that Miami is getting close to turning a corner.

A recent “Raising Canes” segment outlined the Duke week and life after the Nebraska loss. There’s a sense that this team is finally coming together and that with this coaching staff, is finally discovering an identity.

Miami played with purpose last week and even showed some legitimate spunk in Lincoln two weeks back—most-notably when offensive lineman came to the aid of their quarterback and weren’t afraid to mix it up with the enemy. Every since that moment, the Hurricanes appear to have grown up a bit.

Part of that maturation process—winning games like the one directly in front of them. Georgia Tech is one-dimensional, far from a juggernaut (despite an undefeated record) and Miami knows what’s on the line conference-wise with a showdown line this.

The Hurricanes have a chance to prove tonight in Atlanta that there’s truly been an early-season renewal and if Miami plays it’s game, will take a huge, necessary step towards a Coastal Division title.

The Prediction: Miami 37, Georgia Tech 23

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