Miami Hurricanes Football: Five Things to Look for Against Bethune Cookman

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It’s finally here. The first weekend of College Football is upon us. After the long off-season, Miami Hurricanes fans are anxious to see how the 2015 squad will perform. Yet in the two first weeks of the season for the Canes, they will not face a quality, top-ranked opponent. It will be difficult to gauge how they stack up until the big game at home against Nebraska on September 19th. However, it will be interesting to see if this generated “team” concept appears on the field among the players. Last year, players and coaches have said selfishness afflicted the 2014 team. Yet, this season will be a different story according to reports.

Let’s be honest, Bethune Cookman should be a glorified scrimmage. Brad Kaaya and the rest of the 1st string shouldn’t play more than two quarters. It’s going to be tough season. Nevertheless, there are things to look for:

Offensive Line

How will the offensive line perform? Art Kehoe mentioned that he is excited about this group and Golden added that the numbers are up on depth. This is never a bad thing, right? Although, this unit consists of new faces and some inexperience that will have to replace two NFL draft picks, Ereck Flowers and Jon Feliciano; the starting line up for the game will be: LT-Trevor Darling, LG – Alex Gall, C-Nick Linder, RG- Danny Isidora, RT – Sunny Odogwu.

The player to watch is Sunny Odogwu (6’8 318lbs) who is slated to start at right tackle. The guy is massive in size but extremely raw on the field. Has Art Kehoe harnessed this freak of nature to be a solid offensive lineman? In this home opener, look for Miami to run musical chairs on the offensive line to find who fits best. The good thing is that Miami has two weeks to experience with different sets before the “real” season starts with Nebraska.

Defensive Line

Will the Defensive line become dominant this season? They certainly have the bodies and talent to do so, even with the recent suspension with AQM. Fans will want to see how freshman Kendrick Norton will perform under the lights after an impressive camp. Also, many people will get a good look at redshirt freshman Demetrius Jackson at rush end. Coaches and players have told media that they have made tweaks and changes to the defense. Will we see any this week? Maybe less 2-Gaping?

Running Backs

With the recent injury of Gus Edwards, Miami will have to find a solidified rotation at running back. Mark Walton, Trayone Gray, Walter Tucker, and Joe Yearby will battle for carries. Bethune Cookman is another opportunity for these guys to make an favorable impression on the coaches. Who will get majority of the carries? How will new-comer Mark Walton perform? Will Joe Yearby’s added weight to his body appear to be a significant difference?

Inside Linebacker

Raphael Kirby will have take the reigns of the defense, and fill a void that second round draft pick Denzel Perryman left. Can Kirby take the next step? Al Golden and the team have elected Kirby as a team captain this season, and he will have to lead the defense in order for success. Jermaine Grace is a solid fit at WILL, but the real question is how is the depth?

With Juwon Young likely out until the Nebraska game, Bethune Cookman will provide opportunities for Marques Gayot, Terry McCray and Charles Perry to prove themselves to be reliable backups for the season at inside linebacker. Miami will get a real taste of how crucial Kirby’s and Grace’s roles will play this season.

Brad Kaaya

Brad Kaaya proved himself worthy after an excellent freshman season that earned him all-american honors. Against Bethune Cookman, fans will find out whose Kaaya’s favorite targerts will be in the 2015 season. He has an ample amount of weapons including: David Njoku, Lawerence Cager, Stacy Coley, Malcolm Lewis, Chris Herndon, Rashawn Scott, Braxton Berrios, and Herb Waters to name a few. James Coley will give Kaaya more lead way in the playbook this season, but can he handle it? Now, I doubt Coley and co. will show all their new wrinkles against Bethune Cookman, but it times for Kaaya to limit his mistakes and take the next step in his development. Many fans are excited to see what Brad will bring to the table this season. It all starts with this first game at home.

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