Three Keys for Miami Against Georgia Tech
Miami continues its March to the postseason on Saturday with an ACC road matchup in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets come in hungry following two losses against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech as they look to prevent falling to .500 on the year.
Miami has remained a perfect 9-0 on the year but has played with fire more than once this season, including in the first half against Duke last week. On Saturday, Miami's look to put together an end-to-end victory and begin to improve some flaws as they get ready for a postseason push. Here are three keys for Miami versus Georgia Tech.
1. Miami's Passing Offense vs. Georgia Tech's Passing Defense
Miami is third nationally averaging 370.4 passing yards per game and with 9.72 yards per attempt and is first with 31 passing TDs. This is objectively a bad matchup for Georgia Tech, which ranks 60th in the nation against the pass allowing 213 YPG.
Georgia Tech has only two interceptions on the season so they've failed to be opportunistic against the pass. If Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo are their usual selves, it will be a long day for Georgia Tech.
2. Georgia Tech's Passing Offense vs. Miami's Passing Defense
Canes Warning covered the injury concerns for Georgia Tech earlier this week including quarterback Haynes King. Whether fully healthy or not, Georgia Tech has a more dangerous passing attack with him at the helm.
King is averaging 224 YPG and has thrown eight touchdowns with one interception. Canes Warning also covered at length Miami's struggle against the pass this season, and that will again be a focus on Saturday. If Miami can shut down King and Company, they should be able to take care of business with authority.
3. Slow Down Georgia's Rushing Attack
Georgia Tech is 48th nationally averaging 176.8 YPG this season with nearly 4.91 yards per carry. Miami is eighth nationally allowing 95.2 YPG Given their issues against the pass and in particular, allowing big plays, Miami slowing down Georgia Tech on the ground is imperative in this game.
There isn't a special sauce recipe for Miami versus Georgia Tech. The Canes are currently 9.5-point favorites on FanDuel and it's with good reason. If Miami can throw the ball and stop the run like they usually do while making strides in stopping the pass, they should win this one going away.
Georgia Tech also has a turnover margin of zero this season, so protect the ball and play their game, and Miami will be another step closer to the playoffs.