Keeping It Heel
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Breaking Miami: Scouting Report and Game Preview

By WFP

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Now that UNC Football has replaced the wheels that kept falling off the 2014 Train, the Heels head down to South Florida to stake their claim in the ACC Coastal race. Miami, fresh out a 30-6 annihilation of Virginia Tech on a Thursday in Blacksburg, looks to show ACC Football fans, that they to belong in the discussion for the Coastal crown. What awaits us on Saturday should be a grudge match between two teams, that have quietly become divisional rivals since Miami joined the in 2004. I’ve watched Miami at spots during this season vs ACC and out of conference competition and, truth be told, they look just like every Miami team has looked since Larry Coker was run out of town. Miami has:

  1. Plenty of talent, elite speed and quickness at perimeter and at the skill positions
  2. A quarterback, that when given time and the ability to step into his throws, can pick apart a secondary
  3. A defense, that at times flows to the football with the best of them, but with the correct gameplan can get carved up like a turkey.

Let’s start with that talent we’ll face on offense:

Miami’s Starting O

QB 1 – Brad Kaaya (#15)

RBs – Duke Johnson (#8, RB 1), Joseph Yearby (#2, RB2)

WRs Phillip Dorsett (#4), Herb Waters (#6), Braxton Berrios (#83), Stacy Coley (#3)

TE Clive Walford (#46)

LT Jon Feliciano (#70), LG Danny Isidora (#63), C Shane McDermott (#62), RG Nick Linder (#68), Trevor Darling (#73)

Whenever you start with Miami’s offense you have to start with one of the top running backs in the country in Duke Johnson. Duke Johnson’s who’s 8th in the country in rushing yards per game has been a force to be reckoned with since he set foot in Coral Gables. Johnson’s combination of physical running , burst and elite speed make him one of the toughest playmakers in the country to guard.

This Miami Team looks like every other team since the Coker Era

Joe Yearby and Gus Edwards are no slouches either. Their roles as back ups give this Miami offense a triple threat running the ball.

Oct 23, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Gus Edwards (7) runs as Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Chuck Clark (19) and linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (54) defend in the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In the passing attack, Brad Kaaya has been hit and miss. At times, with gamebreakers Dorsett, Waters, Berrios, and Coley, Kaaya has racked up yards and lit up the scoreboard with their air attack. However, Kaaya has faced plenty of downs as a true freshman. With time, he’s an absolute stud, but when pressured he’s erratic.  Miami’s starting offense, especially the line has been nicked up and bumped and bruised all year. The Canes offensive line, which really came together this past week, mauling a strong Virginia Tech front, has lost three starters for the year. If Miami can click like they did last Thursday, Carolina’s defense could be in a world of trouble.

Miami’s Starting D

Year in and year out I always worry about which Miami defense will show up.  I remember vividly the Miami defenses of the early 2000s littered with NFL talent and always wonder when we’ll see another defense like this wearing the famous “U” helmets. This years group has had moments and possesses a ton of promise.

Sep 27, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) celebrates after making an interception during the second half against Duke at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

DEs Anthony Chickillo (#71), Tyriq McCord (#17)

DTs Calvin Heurtelou (#93), Olsen Pierre (#91)

LBs Denzel Perryman (MLB, #52), Raphael Kirby (WLB, #56), Thurston Armbrister (#34, SLB)

CBs Artie Burns (#1), Ladarius Gunter (#37)

Safeties Nantambu Fentress (#28), Deon Bush (#2)

More from North Carolina Tar Heels

This defensive line front should be so, so, so much better than they’ve been in 2014. With the amount of talent in the front seven, you’d expect this team to be containing opposing offenses to a higher level they’ve played at in 2014. Denzel Perryman, is the heart and soul of this defense. He makes plays all over the field and Carolina will need to know where he’s lining up on every play.

the more you make a Miami squad work, the more frustrated their team becomes

While the front seven has been at times suspect, this secondary has carried the back end of this defense. The canes Defense hasn’t forced as many turnovers in 2014 as Al Golden and Company would like, but with Burns, Gunter and Fentress roaming the deep zones and boundaries, Marquise will need to throw the ball with intent and accuracy.

How to leave South Florida with a Win

1. Jump On Miami Early – Miami has outscored opponents by a combined 7 touchdowns in first quarters this year. Carolina cannot let Miami break the swagger out that they do so well when up 2 to 3 scores.

2. Use Miami’s Athleticism To Your advantage

The best way to attack an athletic and quick front is to blend mis-direction, counters and dives right up the gut. Attacking the heart of Miami’s defense is critical to winning the always important Battle of the Trenches.

Oct 23, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) celebrates with wide receiver Malcolm Lewis (9) and tight end Standish Dobard (5) after running for a touchdown in the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Make Miami earn every Yard

Miami’s talent level is superior to Carolina’s, there’s no other way to put it. Never give up the easy big play. Out-hustling, out-blocking, and out-manning the Canes on every play forces the U to work more than they want to rather than reading and reacting. If there’s one thing I know about the Miami Hurricane Football program, it’s the more you make a Miami squad work, the more frustrated their team becomes. Should be a good game.

Go Heels. Beat Miami.

WFP

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