Miami vs. LSU: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

Matchups to Watch

It may be fun to sit back and talk about quarterbacks and this unit versus the opposing side. However, sometimes the best games come down to individual matchups. This game, as mentioned, features the two teams putting their best players against one another all over the field. The entire college football community will be watching, given this is the sole game on Sunday. Someone can come out of here with more hype to start the season than ever.

Ahmmon Richards vs. Greedy Williams

Entering the season it looks as though LSU’s Greedy Williams has a path to be named the nations best corner back. The 6-foot-1 corner is an elite athlete who plays like it. His great speed and change of direction ability allow him to eliminate any type of receiver he plays against. Williams will continue the lineage of Patrick Peterson and other LSU corners before him. This game will go a long way in allowing him to do that.

Ahmmon Richards burst on the scene in 2016 for the Miami Hurricanes in his freshman season. He was poised for a big 2017 before injuries pulled him down. Now healthy again he enters the season as the Hurricanes top target. The technician of a receiver who’s shown the ability to beat press and find space in any coverage. Against Williams he will need to use his craftiness and route running to upend the top tier athleticism lined up across him. Williams and Richards will be a fun and exciting matchup to watch featuring two players who will be playing on Sundays a year from now.

QB Joe Burrows vs. Miami Defensive Backfield

Any time a quarterback who transferred into a new team and gets the start, it raises concerns for the fan base. Will Ohio State transfer Joe Burrows be able to finally give the Tigers some stability at the position? LSU has four- or five-star ranked players at every skill position and the offensive line is loaded with talent. Burrows is the key to this offense. In his limited action for the Buckeyes, he showed a strong arm and athletic ability to escape when necessary.

Miami brings back a secondary that ranked third in the country in turnovers. The Turnover Chain is itching to make an appearance early on national television. Safety Jaquan Johnson and corner Michael Jackson lead the way but there is talent at every position. Johnson is the quarterback of the defense and will look to make Burrows work with every pass. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will likely dial up exotic looks for the quarterback and make him work.

LSU is a run-first team but they will need their quarterback to make plays to win this game. The Hurricanes will need to continue their take-away happy defensive style to keep LSU at bay.