Miami Hurricanes vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Staff Predictions
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At 2-0 and with a #22 Associated Press Poll ranking, the Miami Hurricanes face off with the 1-1 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats this Thursday, Sep. 14. You can get all the where to watch game details right here, including television and weather forecast.
After Miami’s resounding 48-33 victory over Texas A&M, how will the Canes respond to the positive momentum? Additionally, what about younger Canes getting into the lineup versus the Wildcats and will they make a major impact towards the final score?
Many storylines to follow for this game, and each member of the All Hurricanes staff provides a personal take, right here:
Brian Smith, Publisher: Miami 73, Bethune-Cookman 10
The Hurricanes will look to accomplish four main tasks versus the Wildcats. 1) Play sound football and get better. 2) Keep starters and key contributors off the field by building a big lead. 3) Allowing younger players to see significant playing time to help for this season and beyond. 4) Rotate players constantly.
Tyler Van Dyke is one of the hottest quarterbacks in college football and that trend continues versus Bethune-Cookman. He will pass for 140 yards in one half, throw a touchdown and complete 75% of his passes. Look for quarterback Emory Williams to hit some big plays as well.
The running back room will be a group that sees similar reps and carries, with Ajay Allen, Jr. being the one with the biggest totals for the day.
Additionally Miami’s offensive line and all of the other offensive players will rotate constantly versus Bethune-Cookman. No one player is likely to have monster numbers.
Defensively, the Canes need to get home to the quarterback more and the Wildcats will struggle to keep players like defensive ends Jahfari Harvey and Rueben Bain, Jr. out of the backfield. Also of note, it’s going to be interesting to see if defensive tackle Ahmad Moten keeps getting quite a few reps, especially if certain players do not play due to injury.
With all the pressure along the trenches, Miami will create three turnovers as well. This will not be close by the early portion of the second quarter and the Canes absolutely roll.
Alex Donno, Writer/Podcaster: Miami 70, Bethune-Cookman 0
With Miami favored by 53 points, there won't likely be very much suspense over the outcome here. The questions I have are: How smoothly will Miami execute on special teams and can they clean up on their penalties? Assuming several young players get an opportunity in the second half, I'll be looking for the second and third-stringers to play with the same intensity as the starters did against Texas A&M.
Expect the Hurricanes to lean heavily on their running game with offensive linemen like right guard Anez Cooper, center Matt Lee and left guard Javion Cohen establishing their physicality to open up rushing lanes. I will be curious to see if freshman tailback Chris Johnson Jr gets his first Miami action in this one.
Miami will have far too much size and speed for the Wildcats to keep this close. As long as the Canes don't get sloppy and complacent, they'll score 70 and possibly pitch a shutout on defense.
Liam Willerup, Writer: Miami 65, Bethune-Cookman 3
While Miami did score 70 on Bethune-Cookman last season with a worse offense, I think Miami will coast a little more this year. After being a pass-heavy offense last week, I think Miami will favor the run and pound the ball most of the time.
Beyond the regular four running backs, I'd imagine we will see some of the other players get involved as Miami should avoid injuries at all costs if they believe the ACC Title game is in play.
The major focus of the game should be getting a good lead early and allowing some of the younger players to come in and get their feet wet. Allow players to make mistakes in this game, so that it doesn't happen on the bigger stage. I'd imagine both Jacurri Brown and Emory Williams will see time during this game.
Corey Carmona, a.k.a. Chalupa Batman, Podcaster: Miami 68, Bethune-Cookman 3
If the Canes perform well and execute their game plan effectively, it should lead to a relatively easy victory for their first-team offense and defense. However, in football, there are always variables and unexpected factors that can come into play, so maintaining focus and discipline is essential regardless of the perceived strength of the opponent. Approaching this game with seriousness and executing the game plan effectively will ensure a victory for the Canes and a short night for the starters.
The second half should be about developing depth and giving reps to some of the reserves and incoming freshmen. Giving younger players playing time in live game situations is invaluable for their development. It helps them adapt to the speed and intensity of college-level competition, which can be quite different from high school. For late-arriving transfers, game time serves as an opportunity to integrate them into the team quickly. It allows them to get accustomed to the team's systems and build chemistry with their new teammates.
I fully expect Miami to take care of business against Bethune-Cookman, the extra rest for the starters will help with any nagging injuries and make sure everyone is good to go for their week 3 matchup against Temple.
Rowdy Baribeau, Writer: Miami 70, Bethune-Cookman, 6
This week could shape up for a big week for freshmen. It is no secret that Miami was pretty banged up after its victory against Texas A&M... and it's a short week. I expect Miami to rotate the most athletes we have seen them rotate all season.
This game has historically been a blowout in Miami's favor. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the new faces Miami has yet to play through two weeks of the season. I think we could get our first look at Jacurri Brown this year and I would be surprised if we don't see him throw the ball a few times. I liked what I saw from Emory Williams against Miami of Ohio and I would imagine he receives some playing time as well.
The main point about this game is that if Miami can get ahead early and defense can cause three and outs, and they should, the starters could be resting by mid-way through the second quarter. On a short week, that alone is a win. Miami could have opportunities to rest its key players, rotate its inexperienced athletes and see what they can do outside of the work on Greentree.
Collier Logan, Writer: Miami 45, Bethune-Cookman 0
The Hurricanes made it through their early season test against Texas A&M, but another challenge is on the horizon. The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats will return to Hard Rock Stadium to try and claim revenge on the Miami team that put 70 points on them last fall. The Hurricane offense looks as strong as ever, but fans shouldn't count on another ten touchdown game.
What they can look forward to is a Miami defense that's taken leaps and bounds since the arrival of head coach Mario Cristobal last year, which should translate into a shutout this weekend, or something close to it. Veteran linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. came up with six tackles against Texas &M last week, so he should be settling into his groove along with the rest of the second level defenders. They'll have to pick up the slack in the absence of their All-American safety Kam Kinchens as he probably won't see the field very much in this one after a scary fourth quarter collision in Week 2.
With all that being said, I expect the Canes to put the ball on the ground as much as possible and chew the clock up quickly. That might keep Miami's final point total a bit lower than expected, but its safe to assume that it'll be a good day for the folks in green and orange.
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