Miami Hurricanes at Clemson Tigers: Previewing the Monumental ACC Matchup
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Kickoff: 12:00 p.m., Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC)
TV/Radio: ESPN 2, WQAM
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Records: Miami 2-1, Clemson 2-1
Line: Miami by 3.5
Last Year: Clemson beat Miami in overtime 40-37
Miami Injuries:
| Jeremy Lewis | DT | Out For Season (leg) |
| Kevin Nelson | LB | Questionable Week 5 (upper body) |
| Graig Cooper | RB | Questionable Week 5 (knee) |
Clemson Injuries:
| Wilson Norris | G | Out Indefinitely (knee) |
| David Smith | OL | Out Week 5 (leg) |
| Phillip Price | T | Questionable Week 5 (ankle) |
| Kalon Davis | T | Questionable Week 5 (back) |
Miami Offense vs. Clemson Defense
Miami has an edge on this side of the field. Clemson ranks 91st nationally in red zone defense. Whenย Presbyterianย puts up 21, first string defense or not, there are some issues there.
They do, however, boast one of the nationโs best players in safety DeAndre McDaniel, a big-time playmaker (9 INT in โ09) in the secondary. He is going to try to capitalize off Jacory Harrisโs mistakes. Harris has thrown 6 interceptions though three games and needs to play smarter football, even if the receiver was at fault for some of them. Harris is excellent at picking a defense apart in the 10-20 yard range. They need to get back to that. Slants and short crossing patterns need to be utilized.
Clemson has a strong defensive line, led by end DaQuan Bowers (3 Sacks). They must contain him in pass protection.
The no-huddle offense worked to perfection at Pitt last weekend. Donโt beย surprisedย if you see it again Saturday.
Clemsonย Offense vs. Miami Defense
Miami can thank the lord that C.J. Spiller is in the NFL, because he absolutely torched them last year with 185 total yards. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker is a smart player who rarely makes mental mistakes (1 INT). Clemson is third in the nation in turnovers lost with just two through three games.
It will be up to the Miami defensive line, who has played superb this year, to get pressure and force mistakes. Clemsonโs offensive line is as solid as they come in the ACC. The battle between Clemson right tackle Landon Walker and Miami end Allen Bailey is one to keep an eye on. The Clemson rushing attack averages 5.8 yards per carry and theyโre going to make running the ball a priority.
Clemson will have no chance if the Miami defense continues to suffocate the offense and forces them to be one dimensional.
Miami Keys
- Taking care of the football โ Two picks per game in an ACC game is not going to get it done.
- Defensive line - Miami has to make Clemson beat them through the air. They have a very talented back in Andre Ellington (7.4 ypc) and containing him will be vital.
- Control the crowd โ Memorial Stadium is among the nationโs loudest atmospheres. Take the crowd out of it by jumping out in front early.
Clemson Keys
- Forcing turnovers โ Getting pressure up front will force Harris to make bad decisions.
- Use Miamiโsย aggressivenessย against them โ With a swarming defense like Miami, screens and counters can be very effective.
- Time to throw - Miami is second in the nation in sacks with 4.7 per game.
Positionย Advantage
Quarterback
Running Back
Receiver/ Tight End
O-Line
D-Line
Linebackers
Secondary โ EVEN
Special Teams
Prediction
Miami appears to have an edge on both sides of the ball. A major key to the contest will be the running game. When Miami is able to run the football effectively, the pressure is taken off Harris and he can tear a defense apart. This game will be won in the trenches, and lately, Miami has been really solid in that area.
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