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A lot has transpired since the Miami Hurricanes last took the field. College football endured top ten upsets, the Miami Heat face elimination, and Sony revealed that the Playstation 5 is the size of a human torso. With the time off, the Canes had a lot to think about in preparation for their primetime showdown with the Clemson Tigers. Clemson is coming off of a 41-23 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers. At times, they looked like the number one team in the country. On other occasions, they had Miami fans salivating with the thought of our TEs and running backs creating havoc. We’re days away from the biggest measuring stick game of the season. Let’s see where your confidence is.
D’Eriq King: 200 Yards Passing, 50 Yards Rushing, and 3 Total TDs
Every week, D’Eriq King looks more comfortable and has more command of this offense. Against the Florida State Seminoles, he had 267 yards through the air, 2 TDs, and he also ran for 65 yards. King has shown up in every primetime matchup this year. He’ll have to put the cape on again this weekend if the Canes have any chance of upsetting the no. 1 team in the country. Clemson surrendered 270 yards and 3 TDs to Brennan Armstrong. Although the rain will be a factor, they’ll face a tougher and more dynamic matchup in King.
Poll
D’Eriq King: 200 Yards Passing
This poll is closed
-
79%
Over
(215 votes) -
10%
Under
(27 votes) -
10%
Even
(27 votes)
Poll
D’Eriq King: 50 Yards Rushing
This poll is closed
-
67%
Over
(176 votes) -
19%
Under
(51 votes) -
13%
Even
(35 votes)
Poll
D’Eriq King: 3 Total TDs
This poll is closed
-
29%
Over
(78 votes) -
17%
Under
(47 votes) -
52%
Even
(137 votes)
Cam’Ron Harris: 100 Yards Rushing & 1 TD
Cam’Ron Harris was held to his lowest rushing total against FSU (12 rushes for 43 yards). His rushing total was more indicative of the monstrous steamrolling the Canes put on the Noles. The Canes didn’t need his efforts for very long. Harris is 11th in the country in rushing (1 yard away from being 10th) and averages 8.2 yards a carry. Clemson held the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to 37 yards rushing.Their primary back Christian Beal-Smith gained just 29 yards. Against the Citadel, they held them to 86 yards rushing. Last week, Virginia had 147 yards on the ground. Eighty-nine of those yards came from the legs of QB Brennan Armstrong. Clearly, early blowouts by Clemson in many of the games factor into teams abandoning the run. But it’s also clear, that Clemson has done a good job stifling the run this year.
Poll
Cam’Ron Harris: 100 Yards Rushing
This poll is closed
-
31%
Over
(80 votes) -
55%
Under
(141 votes) -
12%
Even
(33 votes)
Poll
Cam’Ron Harris: 1 TD
This poll is closed
-
30%
Over
(76 votes) -
5%
Under
(14 votes) -
64%
Even
(162 votes)
Jaylan Knighton and Donald Chaney Jr.: 100 Total Yards
Against FSU, Jaylan Knighton and Donald Chaney Jr. combined for 115 yards. The dangerous duo also punched it into the endzone twice (Chaney Jr. 2 rushing TDs). One player that jumped out in the Clemson vs. Virginia game was reserve back Billy Kemp IV. He had 10 receptions for 96 yards in the game. Miami will need all playmakers on deck this weekend to take down this powerhouse. Chaney and Knighton will get their chances to show off their speed and create mismatches. Due to the rain forecast, their utility may also increase as well.
Poll
Jaylan Knighton and Donald Chaney Jr.: 100 Total Yards
This poll is closed
-
48%
Over
(118 votes) -
30%
Under
(75 votes) -
20%
Even
(49 votes)
Brevin Jordan: 50 Yards Receiving & 1 TD
Brevin Jordan has scored in both primetime games this year (Louisville Cardinals and FSU). One of the biggest things to watch in this game is how Clemson will attempt to match up against Brevin Jordan. The Cavaliers’ tight end Tony Poljan did not have statistical success against the Tigers (3 catches for 25 yards) but many fans believe that the key to attacking Clemson is making them defend 2 TEs. Whether it’s Will Mallory or Jordan, the Canes will need to max out at this position in order to pull off the upset.
Poll
Brevin Jordan: 50 Yards Receiving
This poll is closed
-
82%
Over
(192 votes) -
4%
Under
(11 votes) -
12%
Even
(30 votes)
Poll
Brevin Jordan: 1 TD
This poll is closed
-
27%
Over
(62 votes) -
5%
Under
(12 votes) -
66%
Even
(150 votes)
Miami Wide Receivers: 150 Yards Combined
Statistically, the FSU game produced the most blanched output from the receiving core this year. All three of Miami’s primary WRs (Mark Pope, Dee Wiggins, and Mike Harley) went over 50 yards. Even in their constant blowouts, pass-catchers still don’t find success against Clemson in garbage time. Andrew Booth Jr. and Derion Kendrick will be the toughest test these WRs have faced all year. PFF ranked them as the 6th best outside cornerback duo in the country. And with Mike Jones playing well in Issiah Simmons’ old hybrid position, yards through the air may be hard to come by.
Poll
Miami Wide Receivers: 150 Yards Combined
This poll is closed
-
53%
Over
(120 votes) -
25%
Under
(56 votes) -
21%
Even
(47 votes)
Total Defense: 350 Yard Surrendered
Trevor Lawrence has passed for over 300 yards in two of the three games he’s played this year. He’s coming off an impressive 25 for 38, 329 yard, and 3 TD performance against UVA. We all know his accomplishments so we don’t need to go into groupie territory listing them. The man is good, period. Right now, Miami is ranked 28th in total defense, 13th in 3rd down defense, 18th in sacks, and allow only 19.3 points a game. The Canes also surrender an average of 146 yards on the ground per game, ranking them 41st in the country. With a dynamic playmaker like Travis Etienne on the menu, the Tigers can easily keep the ball on the ground and excel. The defense will also have to execute with Amari Carter starting in place of Gurvan Hall for a half.
Poll
Total Defense: 350 Yard Surrendered
This poll is closed
-
68%
Over
(153 votes) -
12%
Under
(28 votes) -
19%
Even
(43 votes)
Defensive Sacks: 3
This Monday Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott stated, “...biggest thing is stopping the penetration on the defensive line. They do a great job of penetrating...We know we have to handle the line of scrimmage. Because they’re going to be aggressive, they’re going to attack you…” Miami had six, yes six sacks against FSU. Getting pressure on Lawrence and forcing him into quick decisions will be the deciding factor in this game. As we know, games are won in the trenches. Clemson is ranked 39th in the country in sacks allowed (6). How well do you think Jaelan Phillips, Quincy Roche, and the rest of the defensive line will do?
Poll
Defensive Sacks: 3
This poll is closed
-
29%
Over
(64 votes) -
26%
Under
(58 votes) -
43%
Even
(94 votes)
Defensive INTs: 1
Miami forced 3 interceptions in their dismantling of FSU two weeks ago. This weekend, the Canes will go up against a QB who hasn’t thrown a pick all year. Trevor Lawrence is in the top 5 for passing efficiency and 7th in the country for completion percentage. He doesn’t make mistakes often. However, Miami does have the athletes and playmakers to speed up his mental clock, tip passes at the line, and force errors.
Poll
Defensive INTs: 1
This poll is closed
-
17%
Over
(37 votes) -
20%
Under
(44 votes) -
62%
Even
(133 votes)
Turnover Chain Appearances: 2
The turnover battle will be huge this weekend. The Canes are currently 16th in turnovers gained. Clemson has been majorly mistake free through their three games. However, against the Citadel Bulldogs, the Tigers coughed the ball up two times, losing one in the process. Saturday night may come down to who wins the turnover battle.
Poll
Turnover Chain Appearances: 2
This poll is closed
-
15%
Over
(33 votes) -
31%
Under
(69 votes) -
53%
Even
(116 votes)
Total Points: 25
I know, the Miami Hurricanes have scored over 30 points in every game. But, we’re playing the number 1 team in the country and its 12th ranked defense. The 19,000 fans in attendance will make it the loudest crowd Miami has encountered this year. With the weather being a possible factor, do you see Miami lighting up the scoreboard this weekend?
Poll
Total Points: 25
This poll is closed
-
77%
Over
(176 votes) -
12%
Under
(28 votes) -
9%
Even
(22 votes)