After a dominant performance at the Swamp, the Miami Hurricanes prepare for their home opener against Florida A&M in what looks to be an extended celebration following the destruction of the Gators. Miami has been the talk of college football, with Cam Ward receiving Heisman love from both national and local pundits. Some have called Ward the best quarterback in the nation, and many analysts are starting to consider Miami the best team in the ACC.
Despite the big win at Florida, the Canes are focused on Florida A&M, ignoring outside noise and giving respect to each opponent. There is no better example of this than Cam Ward, who immediately after the game stated that he would be studying tape of the Rattlers that evening.
Keys to Victory
This game is expected to be a one-sided affair, largely because Miami is bigger across the lines of scrimmage. The Canes’ offensive line wore out Florida’s defensive line and will likely dominate the Rattlers’ defense. Expect Ward to have five-plus seconds on almost every throw in the pocket. Miami’s defensive line is among the best in the nation. Tyler Barron and Elijah Alston were instrumental last week in rushing the passer, applying pressure on almost every throw. Miami also saw Ahmad Moten dominate inside, having his most productive game as a Cane in his third year. A defensive line of Moten, Barrow, and Mesidor will be too much for Florida A&M to handle.
Outside of the trenches and quarterback play, Miami has one of the best offenses in the nation. With guys like Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher in the running game, A&M’s linebackers will be ready to quit by the middle of the second quarter. The Canes also have the best slot receiver in the nation, Xavier Restrepo, along with a tandem of receivers in Jacolby George, Isaiah Horton, and Sam Brown, who are all home-run hitters. Both George and Restrepo found the end zone in week one. Miami also boasts one of the most athletic tight ends in the nation in Elijah Arroyo, who racked up 89 receiving yards against Florida in week one. Miami’s starters are expected to have a field day this week.
Players to Watch
This game is likely to be over by the end of the first quarter, and it’s very likely we will see the second and third units on the field in the second half. Who am I excited to watch? First and foremost, I hope we see something from Ray Ray Joseph. Ray Ray was one of the recruits Cane fans were most excited about in the 2023 cycle but hasn’t had many opportunities since he is sitting behind the best slot receiver in the nation, Xavier Restrepo. He should have plenty of chances to showcase his skill set, and I hope he takes full advantage of this opportunity.
Chris Johnson Jr. is another player on offense I’m excited to watch. There isn’t a faster player on this team than Chris Johnson Jr., and I hope he gets plenty of carries in the second half because his speed is electric. I’m also looking forward to seeing Josiah Trader and Ny Carr get some reps at wide receiver. Reports from spring and fall camps have raved about Carr and especially Trader, who made breathtaking plays all throughout practice.
Other offensive players to watch are Riley Williams and Emory Williams. Emory Williams was QB1 before he got hurt in the Florida State game last year and showed lots of poise, leading the Canes on the road in that game and making the throws to defeat Clemson last year. It will be interesting to see how much Emory has developed year over year. As for Riley Williams, he might be the most talented tight end on the roster. I’m curious to see Riley’s development and whether he’s ready to take the next step as the next great tight end from the University of Miami.
Defensively, Miami has a lot of young talent that will play. Among them is Raul “Popo” Aguirre, who was fantastic on special teams for Miami. I would like to see Popo get some snaps at middle linebacker, as he is in line to be the heir to Kiko Mauigoa. Josh Horton and Armondo Blount are two young defensive tackles with sky-high potential who will probably get some snaps on Saturday. Two other players I hope to see are Zaquan Patterson, the star safety from last year’s class, and Cole McConathy. McConathy had one of the best camps of any freshman and should be a problem for years to come at defensive end. The staff hopes Patterson is the heir to Kam Kinchens and Mishael Powell as the next great Miami Hurricane safety.
Prediction
This game will essentially be a scrimmage for the Canes. They are too deep at every position and too talented in what will be a celebration at Hard Rock. Miami will be on its way to 2-0, and we can only hope the younger players get meaningful snaps and experience, while avoiding any significant freakish injuries. Expect this game to be over by halftime, with Mario Cristobal playing his second and third units the rest of the way. The Canes will roll to an easy win.
Prediction: Canes 66, Rattlers 10
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