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Miami Hurricanes Football: What You’ll Need to Know Going Into the Duke Game

By Shanon Culiner

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Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Malik Rosier (12) throws a pass as Clemson Tigers linebacker B.J. Goodson (44) applies pressure during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Hurricanes travel to Durham, North Carolina to take on the No. 22 ranked Duke Blue Devils this Saturday at 4 p.m. (EST) on ESPN U.

This will be the first Hurricanes game under interim head coach Larry Scott who was promoted from TE coach after Al Golden was fired post the Clemson blowout.

To make things even more difficult for the new head coach, Miami will be without their biggest playmaker.

The ‘Canes will not be able to rely on starting quarterback Brad Kaaya who’s not traveling with the team after taking a vicious sack and then failing a concussion test on the sideline against Clemson. So, backup QB Malik Rosier will have to lead the offense against Duke.

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Wide receiver Rashawn Scott is questionable for the Duke game after taking a hit in the 4th quarter of the Clemson game. Without Miami’s leading receiver Scott, players like Herb Waters and Stacy Coley are going to have to make plays for the inexperienced Rosier.

I predict Joseph Yearby and Mark Walton to have a solid game. Duke has currently allowed an average of about 130 yards per game on the ground from opposing teams.

Currently, Duke is 6-1 on the season, losing to only Northwestern. And, undefeated in ACC conference play (3-0).

On the other hand, Miami’s record is 4-3 on the year and 1-2 in the conference.

If Miami still wants any chance at the Coastal Division Title they must get past Duke.

However, Duke is finding their groove on offense. They have outscored their opponents 234 to 99.

Quarterback Thomas Sirk can beat you with his legs and his arm.  He’s no (Clemson’s) Deshaun Watson, but he’s proven very affective. He spreads the ball around quite a bit in the passing game, but also likes to take off and run. In fact, he’s Duke’s leading rusher with a net of 430 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a passer, he’s thrown for 1, 530 yards and 11 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions.

Oct 24, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Thomas Sirk (1) celebrates while walking off the field after scoring the game-winning two point conversion against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the fourth overtime at Lane Stadium. The Blue Devils won 45-43 in quadruple overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Running back Shaquille Powell also adds a lot of dynamics to Duke’s offense. He’s rushed for a net of 317 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging about 4 yards a carry. Furthermore, he has great hands and has caught the ball 19 times for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns. But, don’t forget about RB Shaun Wilson who leads the team in all-purpose yards with 270 net yards on the ground and 167 yards receiving.

Wide receiver Max McCaffrey is leading all Duke receivers with 360 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s averaging about 14 yards per reception and about 51 yards per game. Nevertheless, Sirk likes to find different receivers so keep an eye out for guys like WR Johnell Barnes and TE David Reeves.

The Duke defense combined has 5 interceptions and 14 sacks thus far and keep a look out for LB Dwayne Norman and safety Jeremy Cash (both from Florida). They both lead the team in total tackles and have been making all sorts of plays for the Duke defense.

Next: Brad Kaaya Won't Travel With Team; Rosier to Start vs. Duke

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