For the past three years, its been the same question in Miami, Florida. Is Miami football back? We finally have our answer: Absolutely.
For the early part of the 2017 season, the Canes have looked really good. Last night’s game against Duke told us a lot. Before the game, Duke lead the ACC and FBS in defensive efficiency. There is no way that is true now after a 31-6 beating at home to the Canes.
The 2017 version of this Miami team looks a lot more like the Miami Hurricanes of old than they did in previous years. It could have to do with “turnover chain” but it has to do more with the style of play. The Canes from the 1980s to the early 2000s were tough and came out on the field with a swagger unmatched. Today, the Canes possess that same swagger.
Their defense hits harder than ever and makes more plays than ever. The Canes defense already has 10 sacks through three games. Duke’s Daniel Jones felt that pressure often. They made Jones look bad. He had a QBR of 12.9, threw one interception and fumbled the ball once. Jones will not be the only victim of the Miami defense this season. The Canes have a young defense lead by a trio of sophomores at linebacker: Zach McCloud, Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney.
With Mark Richt at the helm of the Canes offense, Miami is hitting the “home run.” They have five touchdowns over 20 yards in three games including two of 40 or more against Duke to seal the game.
These Miami Hurricanes look like the Canes of old. They have a defense that can make plays and neutralize an opposing offense and their offense finally has replaced Brad Kaaya with Malik Rosier and they haven’t missed a beat.
Next: 2017 Top 50 players in college football
If the Canes, keep this up they could be the team to beat in the ACC Coastal, maybe in the ACC. But we will definitely see what kind of team Miami next week when they play bitter rival Florida State. Miami holds the record in this rivalry at 31-30 but Florida State has won the last seven contests.