Ohio State vs. Miami: 5 Bold Predictions for Week 3 Matchup

Ohio State at Miami is a match made in heaven...if you love games that involve a lot of suspended players.

Ohio State had five players suspending heading into this season. Three more were suspended for the season opener, including starting running back Jordan Hall.

Ohio State is ranked at No. 15 heading into their Week 2 matchup with Toledo. They should have no problem handling Toledo, despite all of their suspensions.

The game that Buckeyes and Hurricanes fans are looking towards is the game between the Buckeyes and Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium on Sept. 17th.

Ohio State defeated Miami 36-24 in a game that was never really that close. For the entire game, the 'Canes played from behind, and Jacory Harris had another one of his "infamous" interception games, throwing four alone in this game.

In order for the 'Canes to come out of Miami Gardens victorious, they need to ensure that Harris doesn't throw too many INTs.

This article will list five bold predictions as to what to expect come Sept. 17th.

The Running Game Will Be Unstoppable

As I predicted, the Hurricanes' running game should remain one of the strengths of what should be a tough season for the Hurricanes.

Lamar Miller carried the ball 18 times for 119 yards and one TD. Miller broke off a 41-yard run that displayed his strongest asset—his speed.

As the No. 2 back in this two-back committee, Mike James pounded the rock 12 times and also scored a TD.

Ohio State returns three starters in the front seven. Miami should be able to take advantage of Ohio State's lack of experience in the trenches.

Lamar Miller should have aother solid 100-yard game vs. Ohio State.

Allen Hurns Will Prove to Be Miami's Top Receiver

Allen Hurns was Miami's top receiver vs. Maryland and he'll continue that trend vs. Ohio State.

Alongside Travis Benjamin, Hurns is Miami's best vertical threat. Hurns is quick and fast. He spreads the field with his play ability.

Early on in the first quarter vs. Maryland, Hurns had his man beat down the field for a potential touchdown, but Stephen Morris overthrew him.

Hurns finished with four receptions for 69 yards in his first career start.

He'll have better numbers against an Ohio State second that returns only one starter in SS Orhian Johnson.

Expect the 'Canes to go to Hurns often and early in the game.

This Is Miami's Best Chance to Beat a Ranked Opponent

Miami plays at Virginia Tech, at Florida State and at South Florida. The chances don't look good for Miami to beat a ranked opponent after their game vs. Ohio State.

Ohio State is arguably overrated at No. 15 in the polls, and they have a 25-year-old QB who hadn't started a football game in eight years before last week in Joe Bauserman.

Miami should be able to take advantage of this opportunity to beat a team that is more damaged due to suspensions than themselves.

If the 'Canes fail to knock off the Buckeyes, don't expect the 'Canes to beat any ranked opponents for the remainder of the season while playing in their home stadiums.

The Defense Will Play Good Enough for Miami to Win

The 'Canes were without six defensive starters against Maryland and still managed to have a respectable game against the ACC's best QB in Danny O'Brien.

The 'Canes defense gave up 26 points, playing a bend-don't-break style. The Terrapins were repeatedly in the red zone, threatening a total of seven times but only converted for two touchdowns.

With most of the 'Canes starters back for the game against Ohio State, the defense should do a stout job containing Joe Bauserman and whomever Ohio State starts at tailback after Jordan Hall's indefinite suspension last Thursday.

The Buckeyes are a mess offensively, and the 'Canes should hold them enough to keep it a close game throughout.

Miami Wins If Jacory Harris Throws No More Than One Interception

The key in not only college football but football itself, is winning the turnover battle. This is something that Miami has rarely accomplished over the last few seasons.

Miami is an extremely undisciplined team. For all of the talent that they have, they put it to waste by committing stupid penalties and turnovers.

The Hurricanes ranked 117th in penalties and 119th in turnovers in 2010.

Jacory Harris had a lot to do with that lack of discipline, throwing for more INTs than TDs. Harris once again ranked amongst the worst in the nation at turnovers committed by quarterbacks, throwing 15 picks.

Ohio State is a team as damaged as Miami when it comes to suspensions to key players. With Miami playing at home, the advantage should be in their favor, as long as they keep the turnovers to a minimum.

That means Jacory Harris can't afford to throw more than one interception. Ohio State's defense only returns four starters from last season.