The Good The Bad and The Ugly, GT version

What went right, what went wrong, and everything in between against the Yellow Jackets, plus game ball and team grades.

The Good:

Stephen Morris' gutsy effort (17-22 324 yards, 3 TDs 2 picks) complimented the hard running of Duke Johnson (22 carries 184 yards) and the offense put up 551 yards of total offense. Morris was clearly struggling to put his full weight on his balky right ankle, but he made the big passes when the 'Canes needed them most.  Johnson has never run harder between the tackles in his UM career.  The defense had a horrendous first quarter,  but recovered in time to shut out Tech in the 2nd and 3rd quarters when Miami took the game over.  The WRs deserve recognition as well, with Stacy Coley, Allen Hurns, and Phillip Dorsett all making big plays in the 45-30 win.

The Bad:

Well for a quarter or so the D made UM fans flashback to last season. But adjustments were made. The Hurricanes offense also had 4 turnovers for a second consecutive week.  Seantrel Henderson missed the game, suspended for violating team rules. Clean it up big fella!

The Ugly:

When GT gets in obvious passing downs, it is sort of like watching Tim Tebow and Ryan Leaf taking turns trying to fit the pigskin through a tire at the state county fair.  You get the idea.

Game Ball goes to:

Duuuuuuke!!!   OC James Coley put the ball in Miami's best player's hands early and often. With UM nursing the lead and milking the clock in the 4th quarter, it Johnson left, Johnson right, and Johnson up the middle. While Duke did not necessarily always make the highlight reel run, his was especially tough after contact. Yes he fumbled  again. But the coaching staff did not hesitate to keep feeding him the rock. Rightfully so!  Big time effort for #8.  Shayon Green, who had 9 tackles and a sack, gets honorable mention.

Team grades:

Offense: B+ The offense continues to put video game like numbers on the board.  And this time it WAS against a real team.  The O line is opening big holes for the rushing attack and protecting Morris very well.  Jared Wheeler's efforts up front are more impressive each week. The turnover fiasco is the one negative.

Defense: B- Miami woke up in time to keep Georgia Tech's triple option from turning into a runaway train of fullback dives, pitch sweeps, and QB keepers. Never an easy assignment,  especially the way GT cut blocks. Denzel Perryman (11 tackles) was his usual ferocious self. In the 4th quarter Ladarius Gunter has a pick six, and Rayshawn Jenkins picked off a pass on a clutch 4th down. Tyriq McCord had ANOTHER sack.

Special Teams: B Duke came pretty close to breaking a few. No obnoxious penalties.  Solid all around effort covering kicks.  Walter Tucker saw his first action of the season on ST.

Did you know??

21 of Clive Walford's last 23 receptions have gone for 1st downs.

Allen Hurns had a career high with 108 receiving yards.

Dallas Crawford has TDs in 6 of his last 7 games.

Highlights (ACC Digital):