Al Golden praises Jermaine Grace, says the Defense "Still has a long way to go."

College Football can be a crazy sport.

Just one week ago the feeling around the UM program was a lot heavier.

Amazing how one good performance can lighten the mood.

Coming off the huge 22-10 win over Duke last night, Miami Head Coach Al Golden seemed happier, if not satisfied, with the play of his much maligned defense.

"We still have a long way to go on defense, but we made progress, no doubt about it."

Added Golden,

"We were active around the football, and our pass rush came through for us late in the game."

There were several individuals on the defensive side of the ball who earned praise.

AG seemed to beam when asked about one in particular, Jermaine Grace.

The sophomore LB Grace had his best game as a 'Cane last night with 7 tackles.

"I think Jermaine really prepared hard. He answered the challenge, he was very mature.  Jermaine Grace studied better and brought it to game day.  Hopefully this will just be his floor and not his ceiling."

Golden said Jermaine Grace played 40 scrimmage plays and graded out greater than 90 percent, didn't miss a tackle.

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) September 28, 2014

Miami will need more of the same from Grace and the D as a whole next week in Atlanta as they take on the very difficult to defend triple option of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech's Justin Thomas ranks second nationally in rushing QBs with 110.8 yards/game. Also LEADS nation in yards/completion (19.06)

— Chris Yandle (@ChrisYandle) September 28, 2014

Golden: "There's no let-up. We've got to be mature right now. Georgia Tech is an excellent team and we're playing them there."

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 28, 2014

Stay tuned for more coverage through out the week as UM prepares for GT.

Additional Notes:

No word on KC McDermott or Taylor Gadbois for another two hours, per Golden. Team waiting for test results. McDermott likely out this week.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 28, 2014

• If either/both can not go next week, Nick Linder could see more snaps on the inside, and Jon Feliciano would likely start at RT.

Golden said Jon Feliciano and Trevor Darling can play tackle in Kc McDermott's absence. Nick Linder (89% grade vs. Duke), Gall, Wells avail.

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) September 28, 2014

• Golden added that other than Gadbois and McDermott, there were no additional injuries to report.

• Matt Goudis will be kicking tomorrow in practice and could return Vs GT.
  

• Malik Rosier whom Golden called a "tremendous athlete" will be running the scout team this week to help the D prepare for Georgia Tech.