For the first time since 2017, the Miami Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0 ACC) have started a season at 5-0. Mario Cristobal led the program to its first-ever 5-0 September after Miami’s last-second win against Virginia Tech. The Canes now face the Cal Golden Bears (3-1, 0-1 ACC) in Berkeley in a 10:30 PM ET late-night game. What are the keys for the Canes to win?
Keys to the Game
For the Canes, Miami needs to play a much cleaner game than they did against Virginia Tech. Miami was careless with the ball. Cam Ward, who was a large part of the reason Miami won the game, fumbled the ball early on and threw two interceptions that proved costly. Miami needs to make sure they play a clean game, avoiding penalties and taking care of the ball. At this stage, the Canes have won nothing, and believing the hype is a recipe for undisciplined football.
Another key for the Canes is their offensive and defensive line. Miami is the bigger, more powerful team upfront, and they need to use their size to impose their will early. The Canes have had some injuries in the trenches, with Simeon Barrow, Elijah Alston, Reuben Bain Jr., and Jalen Rivers missing games due to injuries. The Canes should have Barrow and Bain Jr. in the lineup this week, and they are hoping they will make a big impact by pressuring Cal QB Fernando Mendoza. If the Canes’ lines play up to their capabilities, it will be a long game for the Golden Bears.
X-Factor
Xavier Restrepo has been the Canes’ most consistent wide receiver this year, with 25 receptions for 422 yards and five touchdowns already on the year. He is quietly putting in another All-ACC season and is making the case as the best slot receiver in the nation. With the emergence of Isaiah Horton, the continued elite play of Jacolby George, and the stellar play of the tight end group, expect Restrepo to continue operating with plenty of space to make his acrobatic catches and clutch YAC plays.
Players To Watch For Cal
The Golden Bears are led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has 892 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions so far this year. However, it is their running backs that Miami needs to worry about. Virginia Tech gashed the Canes for over 200 yards, and the Golden Bears will try to do the same with a trio of running backs who have rushed for over 100 yards, led by Javian Thomas, who has 267 yards on the year with a 7.0 yards per carry average.
Defensively, the Golden Bears have a trio of linebackers that are tackling machines and put pressure on the quarterback. Teddye Buchanan has 40 total tackles and 2.5 sacks, with sophomore Cade Uluave not far behind with 32 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Xavier Carlton rounds out the group with 14 total tackles and a team-high 3.5 sacks. Miami needs to make sure they protect Cam Ward, and the offensive line will need to earn its money to allow the running backs room to operate against a talented linebacker corps.
Prediction
The California Golden Bears have some talent, but I do not see a focused Miami team struggling against this opponent. The Canes were dropped one spot by the AP Poll, and I believe they understand that on any given day, they can be in a dogfight with an inferior team if they aren’t focused. I expect Miami’s lines to dominate and for Ward to play a much cleaner game. The Canes will have a double-digit lead by halftime and will have the game well in hand by the fourth quarter. The Canes will win and move to 6-0, securing bowl eligibility ahead of their big-time showdown against the Louisville Cardinals next week.
Miami 41
Cal 21
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