Miami Football: 3 bold predictions for Hurricanes vs. LSU

2. Miami out-rushes LSU

The LSU Tigers have had a run-heavy focus since Nick Saban was the head coach from 2000-2004. Coach Saban instilled a power running game and defensive mindset which guided the Tigers to the 2003 BCS National Championship. Les Miles continued with more of the same as the Tigers maintained a 21 personnel offense (two running backs, one tight end) and focused on ball control football. The Tigers were the most Big Ten of the SEC teams for the better part of a decade, even with JaMarcus Russell in at quarterback.

Once Miles was pushed out of Baton Rouge, Ed Orgeron promised a more wide open attack that never materialized. LSU hasn’t exactly been shy on wide receiver talent, either. The Tigers have had Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry on the field at the same time in Tigers purple. But the running game has always played a dominant role in Death Valley. Names like Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, and Joseph Addai have all been stars at LSU.

Yet heading into 2018 Miami has the more loaded backfield. The ‘Canes have five-star prospect Lorenzo Lingard as a sometimes player while the bulk of the carries and receptions will go to starter Travis Homer and athlete Deejay Dallas. Homer and Dallas looked prime to be stars by the end of 2017 and have to be excited about their potential this season.

Miami also has Malik Rosier and a strong crew of wide receivers to take the pressure off Homer. That means Miami is going to run for some major yardage, especially in comparison to the Tigers against Miami’s front seven, on Sept. 2 in Texas.