3 Keys to Victory: Miami Vs South Carolina

Here we are 'Canes fans.

One last hurrah for Denzel Perryman, Clive Walford, Phillip Dorsett, and maybe Duke Johnson, among others.

One last look at one of the most maddeningly inconsistent and disappointing teams in program history.

7-6 or 6-7, what's it gonna be Hurricanes?

On paper Miami is the better team, but that was also the case Vs Virginia and Pitt, so it guarantees nothing.

Nonetheless let's take a look at a few factors that could help UM come away with their first bowl victory since 2006 (A 21-20 win in the MPC Computers Bowl Vs Nevada).

3 Keys to Victory Vs South Carolina:

#1 Play disciplined and smart offense -  The Gamecocks have really struggled this season on D. They concluded the regular season ranked 91st overall in team defense, 93rd in points allowed, and 109th in run defense. With Brad Kaaya's emergence and improvement and the explosive potential of Johnson and Dorsett, the 'Canes should have the upper hand Vs the much maligned D of SC. Unless of course UM turns the ball over or gets in unfavorable downs and distances because of penalties. Long story short, If Miami doesn't shoot themselves in the foot, they should put up at least 30 points today.

#2 Don't let Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds run wild -  Davis has already announced that he is heading to the NFL after this one, so he has a lot to play for.  The 5'9 223 pounder and the 6'2 222 pound Wilds both averaged over 5 yards a carry this season.  Each are a load.  But in losses to Clemson, Auburn, and Kentucky, Wilds never got going.  Davis was productive but not explosive in defeats Vs Texas A&M and Missouri.  Bottom line, if you can make the Gamecocks somewhat one dimensional and take away some of their ground game, they usually lose. UM's LBs Perryman, Thurston Armbrister, Jermaine Grace, and Raphael Kirby all need to come up big this this afternoon.

#3 Play aggressive - I have gone to this one quite a few times this year in this series. But it still rings true.  When UM's coordinators set the tone with aggressive play calling, the team responds. When they are conservative, well you know already don't you Miami fans? Let's hope Al Golden, James Coley, and Mark D'Onofrio go all in today, and the players in turn do the same on the field for 60 minutes.  It seems to be the only this squad is successful.

Well there you have it Miami fans.  If the Hurricanes offense doesn't beat itself, if they tackle well against South Carolina's bruising backs, and they play with swag,  they should win this bowl game and finish the season with a winning record.

Enjoy the game!