Miami vs. Clemson: Picks and Predictions
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The Miami Hurricanes are back on the road this week and are preparing for their toughest matchup of the year, set to walk into Death Valley in South Carolina as three-possession underdogs and take on their conference rival, the No. 9 Clemson Tigers.
Miami is viewed as a 19.5-point underdog against Clemson, according to the Sports Illustrated Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 48 points.
You will find All Hurricanes' picks and predictions below.
Liam Willerup (8-2): Clemson 35, Miami 13
There may be optimism that Miami can upset the Tigers and break the longtime home winning streak in Death Valley. However, I don't see the light at the end of that tunnel. If Miami was at home against Clemson (which they will be next season), I could see the hopes of an upset. However, Clemson has a lot of factors in its favor. Regardless of who Miami brings out, they'll have the quarterback advantage with an improved DJ Uiagalelei behind a home crowd. Paired with that a strong run game that as a team is averaging 4.6 YPC. The Clemson defensive line also will prove to be a huge task for Miami's offensive line that hasn't been consistent this season. Overall, I think Clemson wins this game rather comfortably.
Zach Goodall (7-3): Clemson 34, Miami 10
I think we can all agree that Clemson is no longer the dominant squad it's been in recent years under Dabo Swinney. That being said, the Tigers have put together another solid résumé in 2022 with a 9-1 record and three top 25 wins and certainly shouldn't be taken lightly at home, where they are undefeated dating back to November of the 2016 season.
The best thing going for Miami, meanwhile, is that it just handled Georgia Tech with ease after a 2-5 stretch over the Canes' previous seven games. The Week 11, 21-point victory was much-needed in what has been a disappointing first year under new head coach Mario Cristobal.
It wasn't nearly enough to give me confidence in this team being competitive against a top-ten squad, though. I think it is more likely we see the version of Miami that trotted out against Virginia and Florida State this weekend than the one that got the job done against GT, however, I'll at least project one end zone trip this time around for UM's offense.
Luke Chaney (7-3): Clemson 34, Miami 17
Miami will play one of the most terrifying defenses in all of college football on Saturday, led by a star-studded front seven. Defensive end Myles Murphy leads the Tigers with 6.5 sacks this season, ranking fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Clemson also features a rushing attack led by sophomore Will Shipley, who has rumbled for 899 yards and 12 touchdowns this season on the ground.
Assuming true freshman Jacurri Brown starts again at quarterback for Miami, Clemson will likely stack the box, forcing the first-year signal-caller to sit in the pocket and throw the ball. I think Clemson wins comfortably in front of what should be a packed crowd at Memorial Stadium.
Collier Logan (6-4): Miami 28, Clemson 24
Miami finally got some momentum going in their last win over Georgia Tech. Now, the Canes face arguably their toughest opponent all season in Clemson. But, this may not be the blowout everyone thinks it will be. With Jacurri Brown at quarterback, and the Tigers likely looking past the Canes, I'm taking Miami for the upset.
Rowdy Baribeau (6-4): Clemson 41, Miami 17
This game will be a battle that starts and ends in the trenches. Miami's run game was at a premium last week against Georgia Tech. This week, they'll need similar results if they wish to challenge the Tigers.
The Clemson defensive front is one of the nation's best, and arguably the best on paper. When Miami decides to air it out, Josh Gattis would be wise to create plays that have Jacurri Brown get the ball out quickly. Miami's offensive front is banged up and as a result, the Clemson defense will likely generate pressure on the young quarterback.
Surprising enough as it may seem, I believe Miami will actually have more success in the run game than through the air. I think Clemson will be able to generate enough pressure to make things difficult for Miami offensively and be too impactful for the Canes' to bounce back from. I don't know if many people actually anticipate Miami to win, but if the Canes keep it close, that will be a major positive takeaway for the Hurricanes.
Alex Donno (6-4): Clemson 31, Miami 17
My biggest question for this one is, can Miami's banged-up offensive line hold up against Clemson's vaunted defensive front? Redshirt freshman Laurance Seymore at left guard and true freshman Anez Cooper on the right will need to follow up on their solid performances against Georgia Tech. Jacurri Brown is likely to start again at quarterback. Clemson has precious little film on the true freshman and his ability to make plays on the move can buy Miami some extra time and create unpredictability. On defense, Miami must keep running back Will Shipley somewhat in check. That will not be easy and he's a big reason why I am picking Clemson. Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has been turnover prone. Clemson has committed nine turnovers in their past three games. Miami needs to force three or four to have a chance. The Canes will hang close for a while but I see Clemson pulling away late.
Anna Sapio (6-4): Clemson 45, Miami 7
This game will highlight the Hurricanes' weaknesses. Miami has shown all season that they cannot control the ball and keep their defense off the field. Adversely, Clemson has shown they can dominate on both sides of the ball. Clemson's defense and offense feature players that will test the Hurricanes and should result in a big win.
Brian Smith (4-6): Clemson 28, Miami 24
This game will be about Miami's ability to run the football, staying focused on what it wants to do offensively, and limiting Clemson's explosive plays.
Without knowing exactly how the quarterback situation will play out, there's some intrigue. Look for Jacurri Brown to be playing behind center and giving Clemson problems throughout the game.
Running and passing, Brown will account for just over 300 total yards of offense, but will also probably turn it over at some point versus Clemson's talented defense. When the Tigers get their hands on the football, there's one player the Canes must slow down.
Clemson running back Will Shipley, that's the concern. He's one of the nation's best all-around running backs and will be a thorn in Miami's side. This game will go to the very last moments of the fourth quarter, but Clemson will hang on to win 28-24 primarily because of Shipley.
John Garcia, Jr. (6-1): Clemson 28, Miami 10
Questions remain at the quarterback position for Miami ahead of facing perhaps the best defensive unit it will line up against all season long — on the road no less. Trap games happen across college football this time of year and maybe coming off of a win with a freshman spark in Jacurri Brown can galvanize the Canes early, but the line of scrimmage should favor Dabo Swinney’s bunch all night long.
The Tigers have been vulnerable to power football, so a rushing attack led by Brown and a host of backs is UM’s best bet offensively. Still, the Clemson offense has found some footing from a balance standpoint, something not presented to Miami last week against Georgia Tech. Turnovers will play a part in the second half despite a resilient Miami effort.
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