Xavier Restrepo has great matchup versus Syracuse

Xavier Restrepo enters the game at Syracuse close to more Miami milestones and records as he is poised for a big game versus a Syracuse secondary that has struggled to defend slot receivers in 2024. Restrepo needs nine receptions for 200 in his career and is 80 yards behind Charleston Rambo for the Miami single-season record.

Restrepo is 13th nationally averaging 89.0 receiving yards per game, 35th averaging 5.5 receptions per game and tied for seventh with 10 touchdowns. Syracuse is 44th nationally allowing 203.9 passing yards per game, is 74th with a 134.20 opponent passer rating, 50th with 6.9 yards per attempt and 69th allowing 17 TDs.

In their preview of Miami at Syracuse, Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus mention Syracuse has allowed 22 explosive plays to slot receivers this season. Restrepo is among the leaders nationally by any measure in producing explosive plays.

If Syracuse defends Miami trying to prevent the big play, Restrepo should have a big day in the middle of the field and underneath in the slot. Duke, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest all had varying success stopping Miami quarterback Cam Ward and the passing game. If Ward is patient on Sunday Restrepo should be open frequently.

"The Orange have struggled to defend in the slot this season, which poses a matchup nightmare against Xavier Restrepo. He leads the Power 4 with 894 slot receiving yards and his 85.1 slot receiving grade ranks seventh among that same group. Meanwhile, Syracuse ranks 94th in slot coverage grade this season and has allowed 22 explosive receptions to slot receivers this year."

- Chadwick & Wasserman Pro Football Focus

Syracuse has allowed five receivers to record 100-yard games in 2024 and another four to have at least 80 yards. Restrepo has four 100-yard games in 2024 and he had 99 yards versus South Florida as Miami built a big second-half lead. Three other Miami receivers have recorded 100-yard games in 2024.

Restrepo is having his most explosive season averaging a career-high 16.3 yards per reception and setting his standard with 10 receiving TDs. In his final regular season game Restrepo is set up to shine at Syracuse. Miami earns a berth in the ACC Championship game with a win at Syracuse.