As the Sweet 16 tips-off in college basketball, Cane fans have switched their full attention to the opening week of Spring football, the cue that College Football is only 6 months away. While we will only see limited football action given Miami’s restrictions on media viewing (typically the stretching and drill period), we can still speculate, extrapolate, and try to dissect the ‘Coach Speech’ during post practice interviews. On that note, I welcome you back to the 2ND Round of the “Hurricane Football Madness” bracket.

Round 1 Recap: Looking back at Round 1, there were landslide victories by the higher seeds in 3 of the 4 match ups. The only upset was the #3 Linebacker group taking down the #2 Running Backs group. The proven, mature, talent of Quarterman, McCloud and Pinckney were a fan favorite over the talented, full of potential backfield of Homer, Dallas, Lingard and Davis. These two groups will have the opportunity to battle it out on Greentree and hopefully elevated the play of each other.

Hurricane Football Madness

Round 2 Preview: Much like the LB/RB match up in Round 1, Round 2 will pair position groups against each other (D-Line/QBs and WRs/DBs) that can prove who’s the stronger group over the next 6 months. In addition to these group match ups, some intriguing individual battles will take place.

Defensive Line Vs Quarterbacks: This match up will present some intriguing story lines over the next few months starting with the uncertainty at Defensive Tackle. Can the former Florida Gators’ 5 star recruit, Gerald Willis III, be an anchor after being away from football most of 2017 for personal reason? Will D-Line Coach, Jess Simpson, be able to transition his coaching success in high school and the NFL to College football? Lastly, will talented DEs Jonathan Garvin (3TFL, 2 Sacks, 2 FR) and Joe Jackson (10.5 TFL, 6.5 Sacks, 1 FF) be able to set the edge consistently against the mobility of Rosier, Perry and Williams. They have a proven ability to make plays in the backfield, but this will be key.

Wide Receivers vs Defensive Backs: In true ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’ fashion, this much up should be a challenge to both sides. The receiver group contains a wide array of weapons from small speedsters to large body red zone threats. The DB group will be anchored by starting safeties Jaquan Johnson who lead the team in tackles (96), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (3) and Sheldrick Redwine, 4th in tackles (59) and 2nd in interceptions (2) and forced fumbles (2). The middle of the field should be a ‘Danger Zone’ for opposing offenses. I expect the following three matches to bring the most excitement.

1. WR Ahmmon Richards vs CB Michael Jackson: Despite Richards’ injury plagued sophomore year, he is without a doubt WR #1 and a dominating year could mean his last one as a Cane. Jackson is the most productive CB returning for the Canes. Expect him to be called upon to lock down the opposing teams #1 threat.

2. Slot WRs vs CB Trajan Bandy: Bandy aka “Muddy Badger” became a house whole name after his ‘Pick 6’ against the Norte Dame Fighting Irish. However, with 25 tackles and 6 passes defended he was a solid defender all season. Elevating his game in his sophomore year will be critical for the success of the secondary. He will have his hands full all spring and summer as he goes head to head against Mike Harley and freshman Mark Pope when he arrives on campus.

3. Receiver #2 vs CB Jhavonte Dean: Dean underperformed considerably in his first season at Miami based on expectations, #2 junior college CB and #8 JUCO player overall. He will be counted on this year to have a significant role increase, given the youth at the position and his potential as a lanky (6’2”) cover corner with “4.3” speed. He will need to improve his performance and that starts with him lining up against WR #2. The Canes have multiple options at this position with Jeff Thomas’ maturation at the end of the season and the physical presence of Lawrence Cager, Darrell Langham and Dayall Harris.

Which position group will you be sending to the Final Four?