The Miami Hurricanes defense will have to improve their performance from the last two games when they host Georgia Tech on Saturday. Miami allowed 68 points 1,008 yards combined in victories over North Carolina State and Pittsburgh the last two games. The Hurricanes’ defense did have two interceptions against Pittsburgh.
Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims and running back Jahmyr Gibbs will challenge Miami defensively. Sims has completed 61.1 percent of his pass attempts for 1,272 yards, averaged 8.5 yards per attempt, has 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. Sims has added 380 yards rushing on 6.4 yards per carry and four TDS.
Gibbs has 524 yards rushing, is averaging 5.2 YPC, two TDs, 25 receptions for 368 yards and another TD. Like Miami RB Jaylan Knighton, Gibbs is a dual-threat for Georgia Tech. Miami is going to have to track Gibbs as a runner and receiver and Sims as runner and passer. The Hurricanes have to say disciplined defensively.
Gibbs is 10th in the ACC in rushing and Sims 12th. Georgia Tech backup RBs Jordan Mason and Dontae Smith have combined for 497 yards rushing. Mason has 25 carries for 165 yards and two TDs in two games against the Miami Hurricanes. Georgia Tech is sixth in the ACC averaging 4.81 yards per carry.
Georgia Tech has a more efficient offense than their overall numbers. The Yellow Jackets are
averaging 8.2 yards per play. Georgia Tech is ninth in the ACC averaging 235.9 passing yards per game. The Yellow Jackets have an explosive offense that has made big plays this season.
Georgia Tech is fourth in the ACC in plays over 20 and 30 yards. Simms is tied for sixth in the ACC with Miami Hurricanes QB Tyler Van Dyke with 11 passes of 30 or more yards. That is despite that both have not played the entire season. Gibbs, Mason and Sims are all threat to break big runs for Georgia Tech.
Sims is eighth in the ACC with six runs of at least 20 yards, Gibbs has five and Mason three. Miami is tied for eighth in the ACC allowing 13 runs of 20 or more yards this season. The Hurricanes are 11th in the ACC allowing 43 plays overall of 20 more yards. Georgia Tech is seventh with 31 total plays of 20 or more yards.
Kyric McGowan is the Georgia Tech game-breaking wide receiver to watch. McGowan has 27 receptions for 412 yards and seven TDs. McGowan, Gibbs, Malachi Carter and Adonicas Sanders all have at least 20 receptions and are averaging a minimum of 14.7 yards per reception this season.