Let’s face it, this should be a dominant win for the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday night. Coming off one of the biggest wins in recent program history, being ranked fifth in the country in the latest AP Poll, and the positive momentum generated, this should be a thorough beatdown for the Canes.
With that being said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t match-ups to look forward to this week.
Here are some match-ups to keep an eye out for that include positional, one-on-one, and coordinator matchups.
Miami Wide Receivers vs. Bethune-Cookman Secondary
The
biggest question mark on the offensive side of the ball heading into the Notre Dame game was how the pass catchers were going to look after losing their entire corps from last season.
Fortunately enough, Malachi Toney is a Cane.
The true freshman was phenomenal and one of the biggest winners of the night. Six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown in his first-ever college game against one of the best defenses in the country is as impressive as it can get.
C.J. Daniels had some flashes, including the catch of the year (possibly) that resulted in a huge touchdown before halftime. There were other aspects in the game from the other receivers that were worth noting, like incredible blocking and crisp route running, but this receiver room should have a big game on Saturday night.
Bethune-Cookman (to put it nicely) is not very good. With that being said, they have a couple of corners in the secondary that are not bad. Johnny Harris III has great size for playing the position. Standing at 6’2, he’s a long and rangy corner that can present a bit of a problem.
Last week against FIU, Harris allowed only one reception for negative one yard. I understand that the quality of the opponent is a big proponent in that, but it’s still pretty impressive. The corner opposite him is Gabe White. Another big, long corner that can disrupt the opposing receivers. Both of them had the highest coverage grade for Bethune-Cookman on PFF.
Daniels should win his matchup, but it’ll be fun to see him go against that size at corner and how he wins his reps throughout the game. Toney should thrive in the slot, but I (and especially many fans) want to see Joshisa “JoJo” Trader get a lot of touches this game.
After being blanked against the Fighting Irish secondary, there were many concerns among fans surrounding the sophomore. Despite going up against one of the best secondaries in the country, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and believe that he’ll progress as the season goes on. I’m not worried about Trader and still have high expectations for him. He should have a big game.
Other receivers I am keeping an eye out for that can exploit their matchups are Joshua Moore, Ray Ray Joseph, and the back-end of the receiving corps.
Would love to see Ny Carr and Dylan Upshaw get some touches later in the game as well.
NCB Keionte Scott vs. WR Javon Ross
Keionte Scott started at nickel for the Canes and had a productive night against Notre Dame. He was targeted six times and allowed only two receptions for 23 yards.
The defense was better improved from last year without a doubt, and it was a breath of fresh air for Miami fans to see (especially against a quality opponent).
Scott is primed for a big year for the Canes under DC Corey Hetherman. He has a pretty intriguing match-up on Saturday night against Bethune-Cookman’s slot receiver, Javon Ross.
Ross led the team in receiving yards in Week 1 against FIU, recording six catches for 109 yards. He was the team’s primary slot receiver and was the quarterback’s go-to guy.
Scott going up against Ross will be fun to see, despite the huge advantage that favors the Canes. The defensive line may not even let the QB target Ross and get the ball out in time, but depending on how many times Ross does get targeted, it’ll be fun to see how Scott locks down his opponent.
Special Teams Coordinators: Danny Kalter vs. Pat Brown/Keith Towbridge
Yes, you read that right. Bethune-Cookman has co-special team coordinators in Pat Brown and Keith Towbridge.
The reason I have this coordinator match-up highlighted is due to the fact that the Hurricanes should and need to dominate this side of the ball.
The quality of players on special teams between both teams will be a drastic difference, favoring the Hurricanes big time.
According to PFF Grades, Bethune-Cookman was graded higher in special teams (73.2) than Miami (63.4) in Week 1. Take that for what you will, but I am expecting fireworks from the Canes on special teams this weekend.
Would love to see Keelan Marion have a big night with returning kickoffs. He had one against Notre Dame for 32 yards, and it got the crowd going. All in all, I need one of two things to happen on special teams for the Canes.
Either a punt return touchdown by Toney or whoever else they decide to field punts, or Miami going after the punter and getting a block.
We know that the offense and defense are going to do their thing. Special teams making an impact on the game as well will have everyone feeling really good about all three sides of the ball at the end of the night.
