KEYS to the Game… USF vs. Miami

Miami goes into game three undefeated after upsetting Notre Dame, 27-24 and taking care of business against Bethune-Cookman, 45-3.

The Canes now face a dangerous team in undefeated South Florida (USF) on Saturday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Bulls come into Miami after upsetting two top 25 teams in Boise State and Florida. They are the Cinderella of college football’s early season. Can they slay a third ranked team in a row?

For the Bulls to pull off a third straight upset in September, they must defeat a strong #5 Miami team who also has a victory against a ranked team (Notre Dame) to start the season. Neither team is going to surprise their other this week. Both squads will be ready to play on Saturday.

For Miami to win this match up, we feel there are THREE KEYS to the game.

Win in the trenches…

It all starts in the trenches. Miami must again win that battle on both sides of the ball. The Canes’ offensive line must allow Miami to grind down the USF front seven, thus minimizing USF’s offensive touches. Miami’s defensive line must take away the Bulls’ running game and force USF to be a one-dimensional offense.

Limit Brown impact…

When QB Byron Brown is allowed to be a multi-dimensional quarterback, he has the ability to control the outcome of a game. While he is a good passer, it’s his feet that delivers the main for the Bulls. He leads USF in rushing. Miami must make Brown a single dimension quarterback. He much less effective.

How does Miami limit Brown’s effectiveness?

First, Miami’s defense must SWARM Brown from the outset. At 6’-3”/232, Brown combines power and speed in the designed running game. He has rushed for 139 yards in the first two games, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Brown averages an elite 3.96 yards per carry after contact. Miami front seven must swarm to the ball and take away his running threat.

Second, consider using a SPY on Brown, probably your best and most aggressive tackler. Don’t be surprised if that turns out to be middle linebacker Mo Toure or nickel Keionte Scott.

Turn tempo against the Bulls…

USF has used an uptempo offense to keep the pressure on the opposing defenses. Miami realizes this and should be ready under Corey Hetherman’s emphasis on communications and simplicity. Make the Bull’s high tempo a weapon against them. Three and outs combined with a methodical pounding by Miami running game, will limit USF’s time with the ball, thus becoming frustrating. Mistakes then happen. That’s usually not good for the offense.

BOTTOM LINE:

If Miami wins time of possession, with 200+ total rushing yards, Miami will win this game.

It might be boring, but it will be another win over a ranked opponent.

Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET.

Support YOUR team! PACK the ROCK!

GO CANES!