Miami Football: Canes get opportunity to right the ship vs Savannah State
Miami football enters Week 2 after a tough loss to LSU in Week 1. They face a Savannah State team that will need a miracle to pull off the upset.
You couldn’t have predicted such a bad Week 1 loss for the Miami Hurricanes if you lived outside of the state of Louisiana. It just seemed that all the moving parts heading into the game would lead to a Miami victory.
Talent on the defensive side of the ball, speed at the skill positions, and LSU quarterback play that hasn’t been a strength of the program for basically a decade. However, the rails seemed to fall off early in the first quarter.
Miami couldn’t move the ball against a swarming LSU defense, and Malik Rosier continued his poor play for the fourth consecutive game dating back to last season.
This week they face a much easier test against Savannah State, who were blanked 52-0 against UAB in Week 1.
The main question involves Rosier, who is beginning to feel the heat from fans and local media. If he doesn’t improve his play this week could Mark Richt consider making a change?
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Date: September 8
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Miami, FL
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Live Stream: ESPN | Fubo TV
Keys to Victory
In order for Miami to get the win, Rosier will have to play with a lot more urgency and better decision making. Going into the fourth quarter of last week’s game the Hurricanes were down 30, and he will need to get off to a better start to avoid the upset.
Jeff Thomas was the only bright spot on the offensive side of the ball, as he hauled in 5 passes for 132 yards, including a highlight reel 50-yard grab. If he can get open for a few plays down the field, Thomas should be able to find the end zone at least twice.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hurricanes will have to stop the run, if they can push the O-line back and force Savannah State into 3rd and long positions it will lead to an easy Hurricanes win.
I think Savannah State has a zero percent chance to win this game, but if they were to pull off the upset they would need at least a defensive touchdown and win the turnover margin by +3 or more.
Betting Odds
Courtesy of Oddshark
Point Spread: OFF
Over/Under: OFF
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Prediction
I think Rosier will try to put this game away early and should connect with Thomas on a couple of long touchdown passes in the first half. DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer should each run for at least 75 yards and a score, and the Hurricanes will have the game wrapped by the end of the second quarter.
Will it be a second consecutive shutout for the Tigers? I think so because the Miami defense will be hungry and out to make a statement with this game.
Score: Miami wins 42-0