The Miami Hurricanes are set for their annual tussle against Georgia Tech.
Saturday's game presents a unique challenge against a physical triple option offense that the Canes are mentally and physically prepared to face.
"It's two things, really," Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. "One, tactically being ready for everything they have which is going to be different from what you do week in and week out. And secondly, and probably more importantly, it's your attitude and being ready to match them, and to match their toughness, and to match their physicality. It's a game where you certainly have to have your tactics right, but it is still a blocking and tackling day at the office, and the team that blocks better or the team that defeats blocks better and tackles better versus the team that breaks tackles better usually wins."
The Yellow Jackets lead FBS in rushing offense, averaging 377 yards per game on the ground. They are also among the nation's leaders in time of possession, ranking fifth at 34:28 per game.
"Last ballgame, [Tobias] Oliver, who, at least in that game, was second-team quarterback, rushed for 120 yards and 2 TDs," Miami head coach Mark Richt said. "He had the game-winning score and also threw an 86-yard touchdown pass in the game. They rushed for 461 yards in the game, which is kind of a typical offensive performance for them, rushing for something about 400 yards a game and controlling the clock."
Because of their offensive scheme, opposing defenses need to be physically and mentally prepared for a grueling battle.
"Sometimes it's mental conditioning, to not lose your poise," Diaz said. "Like you said, they can be out there for quite a while. They're going to huddle, they are not going to go fast, it's not going to be hot outside, but sometimes you get mentally worn down, and something you were reading early on, and all of a sudden your eyes, your mind starts to slow down. Your feet may be willing, but your mind is where the fatigue really sets in."
Defensive back Michael Jackson has faced off against Georgia Tech several times in his career and he knows what the Canes need to do on defense if they want to succeed on Saturday.
"Just the mentality that you have to be physical, especially at corner," Jackson said. "Us corners have to be physical and tackle. It's not a cute game. You're going to be dirty. You're going to be sore after the game. You're going to be banging all game and look up and it's only the third quarter and you have to keep banging. It's just a physical mindset."
The phrase "assignment football" is frequently heard when a team is facing Georgia Tech. With their triple option offense, Miami's defenders need to be very disciplined with every snap.
"They do a lot of option," defensive back Trajan Bandy said. "They do a lot of cutting and everything happens so fast. You have to keep your eye on your man because you never know when they might do a trick play, he might spit it out or he might have the ball. You never know, so we just have to have eye discipline on everything."
The battle upfront is especially tough, as Georgia Tech's offensive linemen will continually try to cut bock Miami's defensive line. Gerald Willis III, who leads the ACC in tackles for loss, believes the Canes are ready to face the GT ground attack.
"We're up for the challenge like every other week," Willis said. "We just have to get ready for the cut blocks and these double teams, but we're ready."
back in the day when jj was here..our d took care of the reverses and the trick plays because we always had a guy ..a safety valve who stayed home and made the play...we havent done very well in that situation.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | November 09, 2018 at 06:26 PM
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | November 09, 2018 at 06:17 PM
I think Lane Kiffin as the highest paid OC in CF is the answer. Make him HCiW & let him start making some staff decisions. Tell him you want to see a spread style offense that fits local talent. 1) Lane croots big time. 2) He knows big time football from Saban and Carroll, we dont need to be Bama, just a better at being Miami.
One thing I get from Lane though, is that maybe he isnt a workaholic. Thats fine I guess, I'm willing to pull the rug out from under his feet if he doesnt make it happen, and I'll start all over after Richt is gone. The beauty of it is I dont have to extend Richt's contract. 2022 would be his last season, and I'd make it so this is his last chance at a National Title.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | November 09, 2018 at 06:58 PM
38-23 Miami over Lehigh. Canes taking care of business. Waardenburg, Lykes and Lawrence leading the charge. 3:10 left in the first
Posted by: Old Skool | November 09, 2018 at 07:50 PM
67-54 Canes. 5:00 to go in the 2nd half. Izundu looking better and staying out of foul trouble.
Posted by: Rex | November 09, 2018 at 08:55 PM
All 5 Canes starter in double figures tonight.
Posted by: rex | November 09, 2018 at 08:58 PM
Soup's photos are a delight.
A guy that can persuade beautiful ladies to let him take pictures of them without coming off as a stalker has to be given his due.
Most of his photos bring back memories of great times between true Canes fans.
Lots of us that have never met each other in in person enjoy putting a face with our favorite bloggers.
Canes players come and go, but the real Canespace family seems united through thick and thin.
Posted by: solarcane | November 09, 2018 at 09:21 PM
Louisville, UNC, FSU and Miami should start their own little conference.
Posted by: solarcane | November 09, 2018 at 09:24 PM
Solid win the Coach L and the Canes! Dewan Hernandez didn’t play. Held out while eligibility issues are being reviewed by UM compliance.
Posted by: BigWindyCane | November 09, 2018 at 10:10 PM
We should do an over under for the amount of yards Miami gets on its first drive. Over under 9?
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | November 09, 2018 at 05:54 PM
UM TD first drive.
Yeah, I said it.
Posted by: 86Cane | November 09, 2018 at 10:12 PM
A guy that can persuade beautiful ladies to let him take pictures of them without coming off as a stalker has to be given his due.
Most of his photos bring back memories of great times between true Canes fans.
Posted by: solarcane | November 09, 2018 at 09:21 PM
I do what I can.
Yes, I agree.
Posted by: 86Cane | November 09, 2018 at 10:13 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 86Cane | November 09, 2018 at 11:13 PM
You handsome,wonderful,loyal, dedicated men, who love the U, and women,like me, who love her too.
It is painful to watch them lose. Cannot watch much more of that.
Posted by: Mary Lou | November 09, 2018 at 11:14 PM