Miami is currently in first place and seeking to secure a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. Long-shot Georgia Tech must win to stay eligible for the title.
THE GAME
Miami at Georgia Tech, Nov. 20, Atlanta, GA—The Hurricanes are making their second consecutive Thursday night appearance, while Georgia Tech’s last game played was on Nov. 8.
THE OFFENSE
Expect coach Randy Shannon to continue his two-quarterback system with freshmen Robert Marve and Jacory Harris. Miami’s offense is not the strongest (ranking 100th in the nation), so they will have to contend with Georgia Tech’s rushing attack.
THE DEFENSE
Miami has been strong against the running game, an area that Georgia Tech will surely test as the Yellow Jackets are averaging at 251 yards a game. Tech is one of the nation’s best rushing teams (currently ranking 8th). Miami boasts the 19th best rushing defense and 10th in total defense.
- B/R Ticket Guide
THE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Miami freshman quarterback Robert Marve needs to stay focused. One of the ACC's lowest-rated passers; Marve has been intercepted 10 times in nine games while throwing for seven touchdowns. This guy, however, is highly mobile, so Georgia Tech will need to up their athleticism to catch him.
Wide receiver Aldarius Johnson is the team’s leader in receiving with 27 catches. With 15 receptions over the last four games, Johnson is tied with fellow freshman Travis Benjamin for the team lead with three touchdown catches.
THE FACTS
Miami will take the field as a top 25 team for first time since 2006, when the Hurricanes lost against Louisville, 31-7, and failed to make the next 41 AP polls.
Georgia Tech has won three straight games in the series and is 7-2 overall against the Hurricanes at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Last matchup between Miami and Georgia Tech was Oct. 13, 2007; Georgia Tech won, 17-14.
THE ROSTER REPORT
Left tackle Jason Fox (leg) is expected to start alongside Reggie Youngblood.
Wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who suffered an ankle injury against Virginia Tech, is also expected to be back.
THE PREDICTION
The 'Canes need to be fast and injury-free to secure a win. If Miami can overcome Georgia Tech by scoring first, then this game will be a lock for the Hurricanes. Expect this game to be a good one!
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about 1 month ago
Thanks for the read Leslie, I always look forward to reading about the Canes, something I don't get to do much since in most of my stuff I try and be "unbiased".
It seems to me that we've been burned by the pop pass to the fullback for waht seems like decades and this shapes up for that again, hopefully something is in place to stop it. As miami has speed at the corners and in the secondary and guys who can cover man, they'll be in the box all night trying to stuf the run which leaves that play open, i sure hope Marcus Robinson or Spence can just send a message early.It was nice to see Forston last week as well. It's an exciting time to be a Cane Fan!!
from about 1 month ago
Oh, I'll be the first to say I'm totally biased towards the 'Canes!
With all the improvements that Miami has made with their game, I think this match-up is going to be really exciting.
Leslie
from about 1 month ago
Great read.
about 1 month ago
This Georgia Tech/Miami game is going to be a good game and every football fan should tune it in. Home field advantage still holds true and I predict GT will edge the Canes by 7 points but maybe only 3 points. Both are excellent defensive teams but Miami is still plagued, as in the past, with senseless penalties. Georgia Tech makes few mental errors and I'm afraid that will be Miami's undoing.
from about 1 month ago
Bud, you're right about the home field advantage. I feel that Miami's win streak is almost too good to be true, but, hey, I'm not complaining. They're on a roll, and I hope they keep up the good work. I'm hoping that GT will choke and give up big plays, like what happened against North Carolina.
Leslie
about 1 month ago
Another good game is on tap in the ACC this weekend. A rejuvinated Clemson meets the unpredictable Virginia Cavaliers. If the real Virginia team shows up, they'll win. If their other team shows up, they'll lose. This is a home game for the Cavs and they are very good on their own turf. I'm going out on a limb and say Virginia will win it by 7 points but I've not bet any money on it.
about 1 month ago
How 'bout those Yellow Jackets - lightin' up the scoreboard and sittin' pretty atop the ACC Coastal. The Thanksgiving Classic should be a doozy this year. Both the Jackets and the Dawgs have 8 days to get ready.
about 1 month ago
Georgia Tech looked good Thursday night against Miami. But that was UM, not UGA!! I can see no way that GT beats the Bulldogs. I hope they do but it's next to an impossible task for them. GT will score but not nearly enough.
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