@CanesFootball
Miami will honor its 2001 national championship team and debut its new throwback uniforms when Pitt visits Hard Rock Stadium. After the double-overtime win over FSU, I want to see Miami start fast and play a more complete game. Pitt is shorthanded offensively, but its run defense will still be a challenge. Here are my three keys to a Hurricanes win.
1. Take Advantage of Pitt’s Shorthanded Offense
Pitt has been searching for an answer at quarterback since Mason Heintschel suffered a season-ending injury against Virginia Tech. The Panthers started their third-string quarterback, Corey Dailey, in last week’s loss to Boston College and are expected to turn back to Holden Geriner against Miami (Matt Zenitz).
They will also be without top running back Ja’Kyrian Turner due to a lower-body injury ( Pete Thamel). Miami needs to take advantage by stopping the run and forcing Geriner into difficult passing situations. I want to see the defense make Pitt work for everything and avoid giving a shorthanded offense confidence early.
2. Use the Passing Game as an Extension of the Run
Pitt has the No. 1 rushing defense in the country, allowing just 57.3 rushing yards per game, but ranks 116th nationally in passing yards allowed. The Panthers commit bodies to stopping the run and walk their safeties much closer to the line of scrimmage than you typically see.
I want Miami to use the quick passing game as an extension of the run. Get the ball to its weapons in space, take the available yards, and let the receivers make plays after the catch. That approach helped Miami win this matchup last year, and I want to see it again.
Miami should also look to take shots when those safeties creep forward. Miami needs to recognize those chances and attack behind them. The quick game should keep the offense moving, with downfield shots when Pitt gives Miami the look it wants.
3. Stop the Run and Make Pitt Throw
Pitt wants to establish the run to take pressure off its quarterback. The Panthers average 165.6 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry, including 174.5 rushing yards per game against ACC opponents. Even without Turner, they ran for 199 yards against Boston College, so Miami cannot assume his absence takes away their ground game.
Miami has the No. 2 rushing defense nationally, allowing 58.5 yards per game and 2.3 yards per carry. But last week, Florida State gained 138 rushing yards at 4.1 yards per carry. Miami needs to be better. That performance fell short of the standard this defense has set.
I want to see Miami win on early downs, finish tackles, and force Pitt into obvious passing situations. Do not let the Panthers stay comfortable with short third downs and manageable throws. Make Geriner the one who has to beat you.
Score Prediction: Miami 34, Pitt 13
I expect Miami’s quick passing game to get its weapons involved and create downfield shots. If the defense gets back to its standard run defense and forces Geriner to carry Pitt’s offense, Miami should be able to take control.
@CanesFootball
Miami will honor its 2001 national championship team and debut its new throwback uniforms when Pitt visits Hard Rock Stadium. After the double-overtime win over FSU, I want to see Miami start fast and play a more complete game. Pitt is shorthanded offensively, but its run defense will still be a challenge. Here are my three keys to a Hurricanes win.
1. Take Advantage of Pitt’s Shorthanded Offense
Pitt has been searching for an answer at quarterback since Mason Heintschel suffered a season-ending injury against Virginia Tech. The Panthers started their third-string quarterback, Corey Dailey, in last week’s loss to Boston College and are expected to turn back to Holden Geriner against Miami (Matt Zenitz).
They will also be without top running back Ja’Kyrian Turner due to a lower-body injury ( Pete Thamel). Miami needs to take advantage by stopping the run and forcing Geriner into difficult passing situations. I want to see the defense make Pitt work for everything and avoid giving a shorthanded offense confidence early.
2. Use the Passing Game as an Extension of the Run
Pitt has the No. 1 rushing defense in the country, allowing just 57.3 rushing yards per game, but ranks 116th nationally in passing yards allowed. The Panthers commit bodies to stopping the run and walk their safeties much closer to the line of scrimmage than you typically see.
I want Miami to use the quick passing game as an extension of the run. Get the ball to its weapons in space, take the available yards, and let the receivers make plays after the catch. That approach helped Miami win this matchup last year, and I want to see it again.
Miami should also look to take shots when those safeties creep forward. Miami needs to recognize those chances and attack behind them. The quick game should keep the offense moving, with downfield shots when Pitt gives Miami the look it wants.
3. Stop the Run and Make Pitt Throw
Pitt wants to establish the run to take pressure off its quarterback. The Panthers average 165.6 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry, including 174.5 rushing yards per game against ACC opponents. Even without Turner, they ran for 199 yards against Boston College, so Miami cannot assume his absence takes away their ground game.
Miami has the No. 2 rushing defense nationally, allowing 58.5 yards per game and 2.3 yards per carry. But last week, Florida State gained 138 rushing yards at 4.1 yards per carry. Miami needs to be better. That performance fell short of the standard this defense has set.
I want to see Miami win on early downs, finish tackles, and force Pitt into obvious passing situations. Do not let the Panthers stay comfortable with short third downs and manageable throws. Make Geriner the one who has to beat you.
Score Prediction: Miami 34, Pitt 13
I expect Miami’s quick passing game to get its weapons involved and create downfield shots. If the defense gets back to its standard run defense and forces Geriner to carry Pitt’s offense, Miami should be able to take control.
