Miami vs. Miami of Ohio: Keys to a Hurricane Victory
The Miami Hurricanes have had an unusual surge in hype with their week one matchup with the Miami of Ohio Redhawks. Ever since Redhawk quarterback Brett Gabbert's comments to the media in his first press conference of the season, Hurricane fans, at least, have circled the matchup on their calendar.
The real Miami is in Ohio says Brett Gabbert.
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) August 28, 2023
And he’s gonna prove it Week 1. pic.twitter.com/EAneaEUrXU
While the odds are against the Redhawks, Gabbert's comments suggest they have no issue displaying their best football on the Hurricanes' home turf in Hard Rock Stadium. Miami is favored by some oddsmakers to beat Miami of Ohio by two touchdowns or more. Should the Hurricanes accomplish the three key keys below, they may do just that.
Establish the run game
Miami bolstered its offensive line and its running back room with major additions. On the offensive front, the Canes are breaking in new faces all across the line, most notably transfers Javion Cohen and Matthew Lee and five-star freshman Francis Mauigoa.
They will be paving the way for new tailbacks, Mark Fletcher and Ajay Allen, while sharing the backfield with Henry Parrish Jr. Establishing the run game is crucial for this game, but also the rest of the season. The Hurricanes have struggled to establish a consistent run game in preceding years. However, arguably, Miami has not had this talented of an offensive line since 2014, which had five eventual NFL draft picks.
All three tailbacks complement each other well. Fletcher figures to be the main down-hill running back, while Allen and Parrish Jr. will be more active in the passing game. Toward the end of last season, Miami of Ohio struggled to defend the run. If Miami establishes a strong presence on the ground, it will create opportunities through the air.
Containing the Redhawks' passing attack
In 2022, Gabbert was on pace to have his best year yet before he suffered an injury that derailed his season. Now that he is healthy, he's shown (to the media) that he is ready for what 2023 has in store.
Gabbert comes from a gunslinging bloodline, for he is the younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert isn't much of a mobile quarterback, which leaves the advantage for Miami's defensive line. However, he does possess a strong presence in the pocket with quick, smart decision-making and awareness. Which is why shutting him down should be task No. 1 for the defense.
Miami has almost an entirely new cornerback room consisting of a group that figures to rotate often in the first game of the year.
The safeties? Not much room for concern. Miami's uber-talented safety duo of James Williams and Kamren Kinchens will be anchors on the backend and should make up for any mistakes made upfront, or by the corners.
Get Tyler Van Dyke comfortable in the new offense
If Dawson's offense is anything like his stints at West Virginia and Houston, oh boy. Tyler Van Dyke could be in for a season reminiscent of 2021. Dawson was mentored by Dana Holgorsen, whose offenses have always been quarterback-friendly.
Van Dyke will have the luxury of having his No. 1 target, Xavier Restrepo, back in the fold. Van Dyke is at his best when he rips it downfield. The offseason buzz suggests this offense will apply more pressure on opposing cornerbacks.
Van Dyke looked uncomfortable last year, even in winning efforts. Miami is expected to better utilize its wideouts and tight ends and run more of a spread offense. If Van Dyke can find his rhythm on the deep ball, the Redhawks will have a difficult time stopping the offense.
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Miami vs Miami of Ohio Staff Predictions
