Hurricanes Must Avoid Trap Game vs Yellow Jackets
Miami earned their first ACC victory last week against Virginia, escaping the Coastal division cellar.
Replacing them there at the bottom looking up is Georgia Tech, who sit at 1-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play.
On paper this should be an easy victory for Miami but we have all seen the Hurricanes play down to the competition all too often.
Gone is Paul Johnson and his leather helmet triple-option offense that gave Miami fits - but Georgia Tech still struggles with the forward pass under first year Head Coach Geoff Collins.
Georgia Tech ranks 122nd in the nation through the air and remain a one dimensional attack. The Yellow Jackets have lost four straight games including a 27-24 defeat versus The Citadel and a 24-2 embarrassment at Temple.
Quarterback James Graham took over the starting job two weeks ago but has not exactly lit the world on fire, completing just 45.1% of his passes this year.
They do have a solid running back in Jordan Mason (75 carries, 425 yards, 5.7YPC, 5TD) and before being replaced by Graham, Tobias Oliver (55 carries, 279 yards, 5.1YPC, 2TD) was also a threat. Miami should just lock down and load up the box on early downs.
Georgia Tech ranks 113th in 3rd down conversion percentage, if Miami can put them behind the chains early the pass rush can tee off on Graham.
When Miami has the ball it should be pretty simple...give the ball to DeeJay Dallas early and often. Georgia Tech allows 237.7 yards rushing per game, with the struggles on the Miami offensive line playing downhill and just mauling guys may be a remedy.
With a 12pm kickoff in the sweltering South Florida sun, the ground and pound approach should wear down Georgia Tech by the second half. Games like this can build confidence if the Hurricanes can put the Yellow Jackets away early.
It will be interesting to see if Manny Diaz and his staff can have the team prepared for a second straight ACC win in front of the home fans.
Follow us on Twitter for more Miami Hurricanes news@SportsWaveDaveand@CaneMaven.Photo by Tony Capobianco.
