Monday, November 14, 2011

Who is Miami?


The title answers the question, the Hurricanes are coming to Tampa. Miami is 5-5 (3-5) on the season, dropping their rivalry game last weekend to FSU 23 to 19, coming up short late in that game. USF is 5-4 (1-4) on the season and trying to get a bowl game like the Canes, so expected a heated battle on the field due to the in-state contest and the familiarity between many of the players.

Miami is averaging 29.5 points a game, USF allows just 22.4 points a game, so something is going to give in this game with the offense facing the USF defense. Miami averages 228.1 yards a game through the air and 156.9 yards a game on the ground, trying to get the balance that Golden wants to see. They have explosive players at both running back and wide receiver, so the individual match-ups will be key in this game for USF. The Canes score the most in the 2nd and 4th quarter, when it matters most for them, so the team cannot mentally take a break when the clock is winding down.

The Miami defense allows just 21.4 points a game, while USF scores over 30 a game, so the Bulls are facing a tough challenge with the team speed of Miami. They allow 204 yards a game through the air, so don't expect Daniels to throw the ball down the field too often (what a surprise right?). The Canes allowing 167 a game on the ground, playing right into the strength of the USF offense. The Bulls average 205 yards a game on the ground, so expect Daniels, Murray, and Scott (if healthy) to carry the load of the offense, pounding the ball the entire game to keep drives going.

USF can win this game. The offense came to life against Syracuse, pounding the rock at them and the defense did their job. It was great to see USF cover down the field, swarm to the ball, and slow the run game down. Facing Miami and their speed will be a tougher test than Syracuse, but they have the talent to get the job down out there.

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