Miami Hurricanes Film Study: It's Still All About Brad Kaaya

Here's the situation.

Miami is mostly outplaying Virginia, but has just a two point lead with halftime closing in.  It's 3rd and 2 and they face the possibility of surrendering the lead if they can not convert. UVA comes out with an aggressive look, hoping to short circuit the UM drive and get the ball back.  The 'Canes best player reads it, changes the play at the line of scrimmage, and hits their fastest WR in stride for a 67 yard catch and run.

Momentum stays with the Hurricanes thanks to Brad Kaaya to Stacy Coley.

So what makes this play possible?   Let's take a closer look.

Kaaya clearly sees something pre snap that allows him to determine that UVA is going to blitz not only their ILB but also the S on the strong side of the formation.  He audibles out of the run and calls for a quick slant. The Hoos were clearly guessing run to the strong side. Kaaya is one step ahead.

And he has a very favorable match-up with Stacy Coley in the slot against #28 Wilfred Wahee (a strong safety), with NO help. The middle of the field is wide open.

BK's footwork is impeccable.  Coley has a step on his man, but the window isn't huge. It's Brad's balance and mechanics that allow him to deliver an accurate ball.

And the pass is perfect.  Coley never breaks stride and cruises for an easy 67 yard score.

Here it is start to finish:

Later on Kaaya made a similar play in hitting David Njoku on a 58 yard catch and run.

Pre snap read, accuracy, and footwork.   Kaaya has it all.

Miami faces something of a juggernaut next weekend in the red hot UNC Tarheels, winners of 8 in a row, coming off a 66-31 thumping of Duke.

With the UM defense continuing to struggle, the 'Canes will likely need TDs and not FGs to compete with the Heels.

That means more explosive plays.

Their best chance at hitting home runs is still centered around the strong right arm and intelligence of their sophomore QB, as evidenced above.