The No. 16-ranked Miami Hurricanes open ACC play this weekend against a strong Clemson team on the road.  The Canes picked up a nice non conference win last week at Pittsburgh 31-3.  They dominated the Panthers for four quarters on both sides of the ball.  Clemson played one of the most physical games of the young season vs. Auburn two weeks ago and needed the extra time to recover from their first loss. 

The college football lines show the Tigers are a three-point underdog in Memorial Stadium.

Miami picked themselves up quickly following a disappointing loss at Ohio State and defeated Pitt rather handily.  Randy Shannon has restored a once proud program and is making believers out of the fan base that this team could win a ACC title.

Jacory Harris will need to show continued improvement if The U wants to reach some of their goals this season.  He has thrown six touchdown passes in three games, but is still throwing costly interceptions and has six picks.  Harris has passed for 690 yards and is completing 64 percent of his passes. 

The Hurricanes could use more production out of their running game as it ranks 85th in the nation.  They average 125 yards on the ground and are led by Damien Berry.  The senior has rushed for 226 yards on 43 carries and scored one touchdown.  He is gaining over five yards per carry.  Lamar Miller has been the second most used back, rushing for 104 yards on 22 carries and has scored a team high two touchdowns. 

Leonard Hankerson has established himself as the top receiver for the Canes.  He has 16 receptions for 241 yards and three touchdowns.  The lanky Hankerson will be playing on Sundays next year.  Travis Benjamin is a special teams nightmare for the opposition and is a fine receiver as well.  The junior has 10 catches for 158 yards and a score.

Clemson’s bye week couldn’t have come at a better time.  They gave away a win at Auburn that would have likely vaulted them into the top 25.  The Tigers showed that they will not be an easy out in ACC play, however.

Kyle Parker is the straw that stirs the drink on offense.  The two-sport star has thrown for 503 yards and six touchdowns with one interception.  He is completing 58 percent of his passes and might have to consider football over baseball if these type of numbers continue.  Parker has one of the strongest arms in the country and it will be on full display Saturday. 

Andre Ellington leads a running game that ranks 24th in the nation.  He has gained 273 yards on 37 carries and scored four touchdowns. 

Jamie Harper made a highlight reel touchdown catch against Auburn and is a fine receiver out of the backfield with three touchdown receptions.  His running skills are utilized also as he has rushed for 154 yards on 31 carries.  Harper is more of a between the tackles back, while Ellington likes to get outside and use his speed.

Dwayne Allen has developed nicely at receiver, catching eight passes for 156 yards and a score.  Clemson could use another player to step up at wide receiver and give them another downfield threat.

An intriguing stat between these two schools is all three meetings have gone into overtime showing just how equal these programs are.  The road team has been victorious each time also throwing many trends out the window.  Clemson won a thriller last year with a touchdown in the extra session after holding Miami to a field goal. 

Expect a hard-fought game from both teams, but I believe Miami continues the road dominance in this series and covers the number.

Play: Miami -3

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