College Football Preview: Duke @ Miami

By Richard Gatenby on Wednesday, September 24th 2014
College Football Preview: Duke @ Miami

Preview: Duke @ Miami

Date: 9/27/2014

Time: 19:30 ET

Players to Watch

Anthony Boone, quarterback (DUKE): As the full-time starter,  Boone has thrown seven touchdowns to just one interception through four games and has connected on over 60% of his passes.  What is more,  he has three touchdowns on the ground and his All-ACC target Jamison Crowder is beginning to warm up.

Jeremy Cash, safety (DUKE): They hybrid safety-linebacker has been all over the field this season.  He already has 35 tackles with four for a loss including a sack.  Furthermore,  he has an interception and a pass break up.

Duke Johnson, running back (MIA): Johnson’s lengthy injury from 2013 appears to be well and truly in the past.  He is averaging just over six yards per carry and has three touchdowns to go with 108 receiving yards.

Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver (MIA): The senior is a big-play receiver who uses elite speed to stretch the field.  So far in 2014 he has ten receptions for 332 yards and four touchdowns.  He leads his team in receiving yardage despite four fellow wide-outs catching the same amount of balls or more.

 

Blue Devils’ Offense Vs Hurricanes’ Defense

Boone has looked after the football extremely well while guiding his side to four victories. They may not be against the hottest teams in college football but nonetheless they are confidence builders.  Freshman running back Shaun Wilson is averaging 14.43 yards per carry on 28 attempts and the Blue Devils would be wise to maintain a balanced offense.

Wilson’s success is of particular note after the Hurricanes allowed 343 rushing yards to Nebraska last week.  Duke ripped Miami on the ground last year and linebacker Denzel Perryman needs to be at his very best.  Tackling was a weak spot for the home side last week and that must change.

 

Blue Devils’ Defense Vs Hurricanes’ Offense

Elon,  Troy,  Kansas and Tulane have all fallen to Duke so far this season with the Blue Devils conceding just 11.5 points per game.  This will be their first true test and their young defense needs to play fearless football.

Miami have the ability to score plenty of points but must keep control of the football to do so.  Freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya has already thrown seven interceptions this term including a number of crucial ones.  Johnson and the other running backs should be used to open up the passing game for receivers Dorsett and Braxton Berrios,  as well as tight end Clive Walford.

 

Game Preview

In the reverse fixture last season the David Cutcliffe’s men claimed a famous victory against the no. 24 ranked Miami.  And,  although the challenge will be much greater this time around,  a win would come as no shock.  Al Golden will be demanding more from his team after very inconsistent performances thus far.

 

Implications

Miami have lost two games already including one to ACC opponents Louisville.  A ranking at any points this season is likely out of the question but beating the 4-0 Duke would go a long way to building some momentum.

Duke has received votes in the AP polls and their fifth win of the season would almost certainly push them within touching distance of the top-25.

 

Prediction

Duke defeated the Duke Johnson-less ‘Canes last year but with the explosive playmaker back it will be difficult to do the double away from home. DUKE 28-35 MIAMI

Stay In Touch

NCAAF
NCAAF
NCAAF
NCAAF
NCAAF
NCAAF