Miami football needs good start against Michigan State
The Miami football team needs to get off to a good start against Michigan State. Miami has been outscored 17-9 in its first two games this season. Michigan State has combined to outscore its first two opponents 28-0 in the first quarter. Miami has to get quarterback D’Eriq King into a rhythm in the first quarter.
King has completed six passes in 12 attempts for 42 yards with an 80.10 passer rating in the first quarter. The Miami football team has 14 rushing attempts for 55 yards which is 3.93 per attempt in the first quarter. King has only three rushing attempts for 14 yards in the opening 15 minutes.
A Don Chaney Jr. one-yard run against Appalachian State last week is the only 2021 Miami first-quarter touchdown. Chaney was lost for the season with a torn ACL last week against the Mountaineers. No Miami receiver has more than two receptions in the first quarter. Miami needs the offense to start better.
The Miami defense has been battered on the ground in the first quarter. Opponents have 22 carries for 90 yards and a TD with seven runs for first downs in the opening quarter against Miami in 2021. With Alabama doing most of the damage, Miami has allowed 15-24 passing for 142 yards, one TD and one interception in the first quarter.
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The Miami football team taking an early lead will take pressure off the entire team. The Hurricanes have been as explosive offensively as they were in 2020. Defensively, Miami will be more successful if they can make contain the Michigan State run and make Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne make plays.
Thorne had 75 and 85-yard TD passes to wide receiver Jayden Reed against Youngstown State. The Spartans were so efficient and explosive against Northwestern that Thorne did not have to make big plays for Michigan State to win. How both QBs perform on Saturday could be the key at Hard Rock Stadium.
has allowed opponents to complete 60 percent of their passes for 128 yards in the first quarter. The Michigan State defense has allowed 17 carries for 13 yards in the opening quarter. King, running back
and the Miami offensive line have to set the tone early against the Spartans.
Michigan State will be without one key defensive lineman with two more returning after being out with injuries against Youngstown State. The experienced Miami offensive line should be able to perform better than it has through the first two games against Michigan State with the injuries they have.
Creating holes for the running game and protecting King are going to be critical against Michigan State. It’s an old adage that games are won in the trenches. For Miami on Saturday that will especially be critical. The Hurricanes defense needs to get to Thorne. Miami has been effective with 18 tackles for loss this season.
Next. Big plays key for Miami against Michigan State. dark
The Hurricanes have pressured the QB but only have two sacks. Expect Manny Diaz to be creative to pressure Thorne. Getting Thorne to the ground or forcing him into errant throws will be critical. If Miami can force a turnover early, they can set the tone. Getting off to a good start to get the crowd into the game is also important.