Miami Football: 3 bold predictions for Hurricanes vs. LSU

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Mark Richt of the Miami Hurricanes takes the field during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Mark Richt of the Miami Hurricanes takes the field during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. The Turnover Chain gets airtime

With a new offensive coordinator, and without an experienced top-flight running back the LSU Tigers will struggle early against the Miami Hurricanes. Miami’s first half woes of a year ago won’t emerge because LSU doesn’t have a quarterback with a veteran presence. Sure, Burrow has been in the college football world for quite some time but he doesn’t have the meaningful minutes of a Malik Rosier or Kurt Benkert.

Without that star back to take pressure off Burrow he throws two early interceptions against the ‘Canes. Miami is a big play team and will dial up blitzes and hope cornerbacks like Trajan Bandy and Michael Jackson can shut down Jonathan Giles, Justin Jefferson, and Dee Anderson. Top wide receivers DJ Chark and Russell Gage are no longer on campus and that takes away around 1,200 receiving yards and six touchdowns from the Tigers passing game.

Inexperienced receivers and a new running back won’t help Burrow adjust to his new role, or the big game surroundings of a primetime showdown on Sunday night in Jerry’s World. Burrow hasn’t felt the pressure of a Miami defense or the ABC cameras while serving in a backup role to JT Barrett in Columbus. LSU can only hope that Burrow’s leadership and accuracy help pick apart the ‘Canes back seven which was porous in 2017.