Miami Hurricanes vs. Clemson: Key Matchups to Watch in Week 12
Miami's matchups against Clemson have not been kind to the Hurricanes as of late.
Dating back to the 2015 season, UM has lost its last three contests against the Tigers by an average of 39 points. Clemson enters this game as 19-point favorites, according to the SI Sportsbook.
A win here for Miami would not only turn around what has been a lopsided series as of late but also give the team its most impressive win of the season.
Here are three matchups to watch out for between Miami and Clemson.
1. Miami’s run game vs. Clemson’s front seven
Assuming Jacurri Brown starts at quarterback again for the Hurricanes, offensive coordinator Josh Gattis will likely construct a run-focused game plan.
To counter this, expect the Tigers to load up the tackle box with their star-studded front seven, which features a nucleus of players who can stuff gaps and cover ground from sideline to sideline.
Fortunately for Miami, leading rusher Henry Parrish Jr., whom head coach Mario Cristobal "feels good about," could be making a return to UM's lineup after missing last weekend's game against Georgia Tech.
2. Miami’s offensive line vs. Clemson’s pass rush
While Brown was only sacked once against the Yellow Jackets, Miami's offensive line has had trouble protecting its quarterback for much of the season. The unit has allowed 2.8 sacks per game against FBS opponents, which ranks 94th nationally.
Clemson averages the 28th-most sacks per game nationally. It features one of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)'s best pass rushers in junior Myles Murphy, who leads the Tigers with 6.5 sacks.
Murphy, along with other standouts like linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, will challenge the Hurricanes' inconsistent offensive line.
3. Miami's pass rush vs. Clemson's offensive line
Just like Miami, the Tigers' offensive line has also struggled in pass protection this season.
Clemson ranks 65th in the country in sacks allowed per game against FBS opponents. It will be going up against a stout Miami pass rush led by West Virginia transfer Akheem Mesidor, who leads the team with five sacks this season.
The Hurricanes average 3.4 sacks per game, which ranks fifth nationally.
4. Te’Cory Couch vs. Antonio Williams
Couch has held down the nickel corner position for the Hurricanes' defense this season, and he will likely be matched up against Williams, who often lines up in the slot and is Clemson's leading receiver.
Williams has caught 43 passes this year for 473 yards and three touchdowns.
His last game against Louisville was particularly impressive. The freshman wideout totaled 10 catches and 83 yards, both of which are career highs for the talented first-year player.
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