What's Next For Miami And Just How Far Can Canes Go?
Article photo of Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson; credit to Brian Smith.
The Miami Hurricanes are at an all-time high in the Mario Cristobal era after their defeat over Texas A&M this past Saturday. Now sitting at #22 in the country with three very winnable ahead of them, the question remains just how far can the Hurricanes go?
Assuming Miami can handle Bethune-Cookman, Temple and Georgia Tech before heading to Chapel Hill to face UNC, the Canes have a shot at being a Top 15 team in the country by that point in the season.
It's well-documented that UNC has had Miami's number in recent years, as they've won the last four matchups. If Miami can finally get over that hurdle and break the losing streak, it will have a good shot to find itself in the ACC Title game.
However, the Canes will need to face a Clemson team that despite dropping out of the rankings is not a matchup to overlook. Given how the first two weeks of the ACC season have panned out, it looks as if Florida State, Miami, UNC, Clemson, Duke will be the favorites to be in the mix for the ACC Championship Game.
While the buzz seems real that Miami is on the upwards trend, there's still plenty of season left for the Hurricanes. If Miami wants to contend for the ACC Title, the team will need to focus on the following to keep their momentum going:
Trust The Passing Game And Keep Tyler Van Dyke Protected
One of the main reasons Miami has looked better to start this season is the improved offensive line play. Adding Javion Cohen, Matt Lee and Francis Maugioa has allowed Tyler Van Dyke the time he needs to get the ball downfield. Now that Miami appears to have one of their best lines in the past decade, it's important that they capitalize on it.
Now that Shannon Dawson appears to have his top three options at receiver solidified with Colbie Young, Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, Dawson can now start to scheme all of them to their strengths. Even outside of the three main receivers, there's still plenty of other guys who can spark a big play in this offense.
While Miami's run game was dominate against Miami (OH), the Hurricanes are only going to go as far as Van Dyke and the passing game will take them. With Elijah Arroyo expected to return from injury in the coming weeks, the passing offense will see further improvement.
Good to also note that if Mauigoa continues to develop and keeps himself from making costly penalties, this Miami offense can become the engine that drives this team.
Turn The Quarterback Pressures Into Sacks
Despite good pressure in the last two matchups, Miami has only posted three sacks. With great talents like Leonard Taylor and Jahfari Harvey, among others, it should only be a matter of time before one or more of them start to catch fire.
Despite being labeled as a potential first-rounder, it has been a tough start for Taylor who will look to get some easier matchups in the next three games.
Given that Miami's defensive line was expected to be the strength of this team this season, it's important that defensive coordinator Lance Guidry uses the next few games to make some tweaks and start getting the quarterback to the ground.
Limit The Mistakes and Penalties
While penalties and mistakes are inevitable in football, it is certainly an area of concern for the Hurricanes through two games. Miami is tied for 11th in the country in penalties with 18, plus giving up the 12th most penalty yards with 175.
Whether it be holding penalties or pass interference, Miami needs to iron these out as soon as possible. Despite having 10 penalties for 115 yards against the Aggies, the Hurricanes still managed to win the game.
If the Hurricanes want to make that push for the ACC Championship, the major mistakes and penalties will need to be minimized. Same goes for the special teams unit, which has had a blocked and muffed punt so far.
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