EARLY Predictions: Miami Hurricanes vs Miami RedHawks
Which Miami Hurricanes players will stand out during Game 1 of the 2023 college football season?
The opponent would be the Miami of Ohio RedHawks. Should be a win for Miami, right? Well, yes, that’s true but there’s much more to that answer that needs to be brought to light.
All Hurricanes writer Rowdy Baribeau already completed a players to watch list for Miami of Ohio that can be found here, and this article is an extension. The aim here is to project what works for the Hurricanes, as well as what’s expected to need more fine tuning.
Here are four predictions for the contest – two positive and two negative – one week from the game being played at Hard Rock Stadium:
1) Miami’s Short Passing Game Excels
With an experienced signal caller in Tyler Van Dyke, plus a much healthier receiving corps that includes Xavier Restrepo, Colbie Young, Jacolby George, Michael Redding III, Isaiah Horton, and more, this group should be lethal against a RedHawks squad that surrendered 252 yards passing or more, seven times during the 2022 season.
Having a much healthier offensive line, and one with more talent, will be huge, too.
Look for Miami of Ohio to play soft coverage much of the game to keep everything in front of them. Makes sense, but a veteran like Van Dyke will pick that defense apart. As long as the Canes stay patient, big numbers will take place.
2) Miami’s Secondary Shows Significant Improvement
Too many busts and big plays, that’s the theme that’s in the heads of many Miami fans regarding the 2022 Miami secondary. Well, that’s going to change.
Look for cornerback Davonte Brown to be the leader at cornerback, while multiple other cornerbacks perform well, too.
Brown’s younger brother Damari Brown, he will show that he’s no ordinary freshman. Daryl Porter, Jr., Jadais Richard, and Jaden Davis will be some of the other cornerbacks that play well, and more importantly, display more of a cohesive nature that leads to true team passing defense.
Anyone worried about All-American Kamren Kinchens or James Williams on the back end? Those two will play at a high level. Mark it down.
3) Canes Run Defense Still Needs Work
The RedHawks could play a mobile quarterback with Aveon Smith, while Brett Gabbert is still expected to be the main signal caller (solid runner himself, but not like Smith).
Even if Smith is utilized in special situations like the goal line or during a few possessions, Miami needs to prove it can handle players like Smith that certainly possess the ability to torch a defense during a run-pass option play or similar.
Duke’s Riley Leonard made Miami look foolish last season, and Smith is the same kind of athlete. There’s much more talent on Miami’s defense this season and it’s a better scheme as well, but the Canes still must show they can tackle in space against top-notch athletes.
While there will be improvement, look for some weaknesses to still be there. It’s Game 1. Sometimes tackling is not at its strongest right out of fall camp.
Of note, the RedHawks have a bigger runner with Kenny Tracy at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, and also a shiftier runner with Keyon Mozee that’s 5-foot-7 and 185 pounds. Nice combination, especially when paired with Smith.
Perhaps the biggest concern here would be Miami’s ability to be stout up the middle. Can the Canes consistently slow down power runs? That’s arguably the biggest problem to fix from last season’s defense.
4) Hurricanes Player Chemistry?
It looks like Mario Cristobal and his staff brought in a lot of talent from the Transfer Portal and via the 2023 recruiting class. How quickly has it acclimated to the depth chart overall?
Talent is one thing, making it all work together is quite another concept. In total, Miami brought in over 40 new players. Expect several awkward penalties like false starts, late hits, and pass interference calls as players might be a bit too amped up while competing for playing time. It happens.
More importantly, there will still be some busts. Expect a few pass protection issues for Van Dyke, run-gap fit issues, etc. Miami of Ohio will produce big plays due to Miami’s mistakes.
While not likely glaring, there are some of the concerns that will need to be ironed out prior to Miami hosting Texas A&M heading into Game 2 of the 2023 season.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.