The question for Miami is can California keep up offensively

Miami will have a big advantage offensively at California on Saturday night. The teams are much better matched defensively. The biggest question for Miami at California is can the Golden Bears keep up with Miami offensively. Miami leads the ACC averaging 49.3 points per game with California 16th averaging 23,0.

Miami is also first in the ACC averaging 585.6 total yards per game. California is 12th averaging 374.0 yards per game. California's biggest output this season was 473 yards and 31 points in a win over San Diego State. California has been more prolific in its last two games averaging 441.5 yards versus SDSU and Florida State.

In their 14-9 loss at Florida State on September 21, California gained 410 yards but were unable to finish drives. California kicked three field goals, missed two field goals, had an interception and turned it over on downs on the last drive. Cal drove to the FSU 12 on the final drive before a sack and incompletion turned it over to the Seminoles.

In their first two 2024 games, California averaged 306.5 total yards. California beat FCS Cal-Davis 31-13 in the season opener and had a 21-14 upset win at Auburn in week two. California should probably be 4-0. Florida State had only 284 yards offensively in their win over California. Twelve tackles for loss and seven sacks helped FSU beat Cal.

Miami has scored at least 38 points and had over 500 yards offensively in every game this season. The Hurricanes exploded for 62 points and a program record 750 yards with a shutout win over Ball State on September 21. California will be the toughest defense Miami has played this season.

Saturday will feature the top two defenses in the ACC in points allowed. California is first allowing 12.8 PPG and Miami is second at 15.0 PPG. Miami leads the ACC allowing 265.0 yards per game and California is third with opponents averaging 287.5 YPG during the 2024 season.

Miami who is first nationally averaging 392.6 passing yards per game will be tested by a stout California pass defense. California is 39th nationally allowing 182.3 passing YPG, but 13th permitting 5.5 yards per attempt and is first nationally with 11 interceptions. Cam Ward has to take care of the ball.

The Achilles heel for Miami defensively could be against the run. In two games versus Power Conference opponents (Florida and Virginia Tech) Miami is 71st nationally allowing 172.50 rushing yards per game. California is 31st nationally versus Power Conference opponents permitted 114.0 rushing YPG.

California has been poor on the ground this season in three of its four games. The Golden Bears have run for under three years per carry in three of its four 2024 games. Star running back Jadyn Ott has struggled since suffering an ankle injury in the season opener. Javian Thomas has filled in well with Ott limited, averaging 7.03 YPC.

California cannot allow a high-scoring game with Miami on Saturday night. The Golden Bears need to control time of possession and make Cam Ward feel uncomfortable. Ward lost three fumbles, two returned for TDs and a third Cal began a drive at the Washington State eight and threw an interception in a 42-39 loss to the Golden Bears in 2023.