Miami vs. LSU: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more
By Joe Romano
Keys for Miami
Miami is coming off it’s best season in a decade under new head coach Mark Richt. They rose all the way to No. 2 in the country. A ten game win streak started the season before a post-Thanksgiving game against the Pittsburgh Panthers derailed their plans for an undefeated season.
The Hurricanes ended the season on a three-game losing streak, including the ACC title game against Clemson that could have vaulted them into the College Football Playoffs. A loss to Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl, essentially a home game, left a bitter taste to end a 10-3 season.
Miami will need to show that it was the early 2017 version of itself not the end of the season version. Those first ten games featured a team that was relentless on defense attacking the football and limited mistakes on offense.
On defense, there are two stars in the secondary in safety Jaquon Johnson and cornerback Michael Jackson. Both wore the Turnover Chain many times last season and lead a unit that can be the strength of this team. Linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pickney enter their third season as starters and provide stability for the front seven. Edge rusher Joe Jackson and interior lineman Gerald Willis will need to replace a lot of talent but are both capable.
Offensively Miami will need quarterback Malik Rosier to play smart football and not turn the ball over. His turnovers cost Miami the Pittsburgh game and his lack of decision making lead to the embarrassing Clemson loss. Wide receiver Ahmmon Richards returns healthy this season after struggling with injuries in his sophomore season following All-Freshman honors. Running back Travis Homer will be joined by five-star superstar freshman Lorenzo Lingard.
LSU’s defense will, as always, be top notch. Rosier and the skill positions may need to make up for a sub-par Miami offensive line going against that LSU front four. If Rosier is protected and protects the ball in his own right, Miami’s skill players could prove too much. The Hurricanes defense can dominate this LSU offense if they’re playing like they did against top competition a year ago.