Bad Advice, Bold Prediction, and Something Else: Week Three

(Will Erin Andrews be rolling up on Paul Johnson again this time tomorrow?)

And so here we go again. I think it's fair to say we're well into the season now, and frankly, Week Two was nuts, and I'm afraid Week Three can't live up to the hype, but we'll see.

This week, the Jackets take a trip to the City of Magic, where they haven't lost in a really long time.

All the talk this year is that the 'Canes are ready for Tech and its terrifying triple option, known 'round the world as a befuddler of defenses mighty and otherwise.

I'd beg to differ on that second bit, if only a little bit, but chances are the first part's right—Miami has had 10 days and plenty of Clemson tape to get ready for the option.

Thus, without further ado...

Bad Advice

Throw the ball. Short.

Miami's missing two defensive backs for Thursday's game (though neither is completely indispensable), and Tech's short passing game can work. I repeat, Tech's short passing game can work.

Josh Nesbitt's got great arm strength and big receivers that make good targets in the short game. Where he runs into trouble is when he tries to dial up huge plays when they clearly aren't there.

I've watched Nesbitt for three years now, and I've come to the conclusion that he just doesn't throw a great deep ball. It's not terrible, just not that good either.

But he possesses a strong arm and pretty good decision-making ability in the short game. So put him in situations where he can use both, and see if you can't back Miami off the run a little bit.

Bold Prediction

Jacory Harris won't have the same game against Georgia Tech that he had against Florida State.

For one, State played some sloppy defense. Tech's defense is better at getting to the passer and turning up the pressure.

Two, Harris, frankly, is setting himself up for a little come-back-to-earth moment. He's already saying Miami's offense is close to unstoppable, which Georgia Tech will surely be happy to show him is never an empirical truth. 

I think Harris will play well—well enough, in fact, to win—but I don't think he'll be the earth-shattering force he was at times in the 'Canes first game of the season.

Something Else

Look out for Anthony Egbuniwe on defense Thursday night. He's officially listed as a top backup defensive end, but dude plays with a motor that few others can match. 

Miami—like every other team Tech plays this year, will be gameplanning to stop Derrick Morgan. The Jackets will need another presence in the pass rush if they want any pressure at all, and my gut tells me this guy's it.

He looked good, albeit wild at times, against Clemson, but he's long and athletic, and Tech's going to need someone who can contain Jacory Harries. The Miami quarterback isn't crazy fast, but he has that elusive ability coaches crave.

Get at him from both sides of the pocket, and the Jackets could strike gold. Look for Egbuniwe to be the miner.

Finally, a prediction

Tech is good. I mean it. The Jackets are a very good team. Solid on offense, solid on defense, good depth, great coaching, the works. It could be a very good season for them.

But frankly, I've turned this over in my head a few times now, and there's no scenario where I don't see Miami coming out on top.

The 'Canes have the tangibles: Jacory Harris is their best QB since Ken Dorsey, and he's got weapons around him. The defense is fast, strong and hungry.

They have the intangibles: It's been forever since Miami beat Georgia Tech. Now the best squad the U has seen in probably five years gets the Jackets at home on national television one week after Clemson showed everybody that getting your defensive tackles in the right positions can throw the option offense silly.

Plus, Miami is desperate for a return to former glory. I mean, seriously, you can just feel it.

It's not a blowout, but it's not too close either.

Miami comfortable takes control of the Coastal race: 37-24.