UNDER the SCOPE: Miami vs SMU

No. 10 Miami (6-1, 2-1 ACC) travels to Dallas to take on SMU (5-3, 3-1 ACC) on Saturday.

Let’s put this game Under the Scope!

The Canes entered the game after a bounce back win over Stanford last week. The Mustangs enter the game after being upset at Wake Forest last week.

Offense:

Miami enters the game averaging 34.0 points per game, with 411.1 yards of offense per game.

SMU averages 31.4 points per game, with 388.0 yards of offense per game. The Ponies are a banged up offense this week.

Defense:

Miami’s defense ranks #1 in the ACC, holding opponents to 14.1 points per game, yielding 270.4 yards per game. SMU holds opponents to 21.4 points per game and 399.0 yards per game.

Strengths:

Miami’s defense leads the conference in total defense, yielding only 14.1 points per game. The Canes’ defensive line is one of the best in the nation, particularly off the edges. Miami offensive line is also one of the best in the country. Freshman WR Malachi Toney is a threat in open space.

SMU defensive line is very strong, possibly the best Miami will face this season. They lead the ACC in sacks (25). When healthy, Mustang quarterback Kevin Jennings is a dangerous playmaker, with a 66.3% pass completion rate.

Weaknesses:

Miami is penalty prone, averaging 7.4 penalties and 58.7 penalty yards per game.

SMU’s defensive backfield and punting is very weak. Running attack is only average.

Players to Watch:

SMU - QB Kevin Jennings (2,119 yds passing 17 TDs), DE Cam Robinson (5 sacks)

Miami - QB Carson Beck (1,673 yds passing, 12 TDs), WR Malach Toney (43 recp, 562 yds, 3 TDs), RB Mark Fletcher (552 yds rushing, 9 TDs), DEs Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain

Injuries: (ACC injury report out on Friday)

Miami - Akheem Messidor

SMU - QB Kevin Jennings, DE Cam Robinson, CB Davis Robinson, OL Saloman Bird, OL Logan Parr

BOTTOM LINE:

SMU is a banged up team, especial at key positions. Miami must take advantage.

Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN and 560 AM WQAM.

GO CANES!