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According to Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, Miami Hurricanes Will Be a Big Challenge

By Shanon Culiner

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Oct 17, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Brenden Motley (9) is sacked by Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Chad Thomas (9) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

According to Clemson head coach, Dabo Swinney in a pre-game press-conference, Miami’s offense offers elements that will be their toughest challenge thus far and the Hurricanes’ defense has other obstacles the Tigers will need to overcome.

Swinney was quick to point out how good Brad Kaaya really is and he’ll be the best quarterback they’ve seen.

“Offensively it’s the best quarterback we’ve seen,” said Swinney. “He’s (Kaaya) smart, he’s poised, he’s very aware of what’s going on, he’s got great fundamentals for the position, excellent feet. He’s the guy!”

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Most teams this season try to establish the run against Clemson, but Swinney is quite aware that the Miami Hurricanes want Kaaya to lead this team.

With that said, Clemson’s secondary may have problems trying to deal with Miami’s passing game and it will be the ‘Canes talented receiving core causing issues.

“This is the best group of receivers as a group that we’ve seen, collectively,” said Swinney. “They’re (Miami) going to put 3 and 4 guys on the field that can play for anybody and they all can run, and then they got a trigger guy back there that can get ’em the ball. So, really, really talented group. This will be the biggest challenge we’ve had from a coverage standpoint.”

“They got great skill outside and they got a quarterback that’s a next level guy,” continued Swinney.

After back to back losses to Cincinnati and FSU, it looked like this year’s Miami program was burning down to ashes. But, then came the win against Virginia Tech and the realization that the ‘Canes are far from out of it and in fact, holding their own destiny in regard to the ACC coastal race brings needed confidence.

Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before playing Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

As Coach Swinney pointed out, it looks like the ‘Canes have figured some things out. And, young studs that the ‘Canes landed in recruiting a couple years back look to finally be emerging on the field.

“They got a ton of depth on the defensive line. They’ve played a lot of guys,” said Swinney. “I think number eight (Al-Quadin Muhammad) and number nine (Chad Thomas) they’ve kind of settled on those guys as looks like the starters. And, these are two young sophomores that I think have the potential to be superstars in our league. Long, and athletic and quick-twitch. Physical guys.”

Both Thomas and Muhammad were huge recruits and could have played for pretty much any school in the country, but decided to be apart of “The U” and help a struggling Miami defense.

Another major concern for Swinney was Miami’s secondary. Miami is number 1 in the country in turnover margin. The ‘Canes defense currently has 11 interceptions to 1 thrown interception by Kaaya. Furthermore, Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown 7 interceptions.

Though the ‘Canes lost some key players on defense, they’re still very much talented and have opposing coaches sweating at the temples when game planning.

They got a quarterback that’s a next level guy – Dabo Swinney

Nevertheless, when coaches like Dabo Swinney feel challenged, they make sure to cross every “t” and dot every “i”. They’ll do their very best to come into Coral Gables prepared as ever. And clearly, Clemson is no joke this season.

For Miami to win, Brad Kaaya will have to play a big-time game and thus, the receivers will have to make plays. In addition, Miami needs to establish the run, helping control the game clock and control their destiny. On the other side of the ball, the Miami defense needs to make Watson extremely uncomfortable. If guys like Thomas and Muhammad can add pressure to Watson, hopefully, the ‘Canes secondary can continue to create turnovers.

“Miami is a really talented, really talented football team and they’re an improving team,” said Swinney “That’s what good teams do they get better as the year goes and that’s what I see in Miami.”

See Dabo Swinney’s Pre-Game Press-Conference:

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