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College Football Week Six Preview: #23 Florida State vs. #10 Miami

By Eric Robinson

Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) calls a play at the line against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) calls a play at the line against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Miami Will Win 

The addition of Richt has aided the Hurricanes considerably, most notably on the offensive side of the ball. The offense is fourth in the country in scoring at 47 points per game. Junior quarterback Brad Kaaya is the orchestrator of the offense with 935 yards and eight touchdowns along with three interceptions. Kaaya entered the season as a possible Heisman candidate and while he may not wind up the in race, he has still been the steady hand that he has been the past two seasons for the Hurricanes.

A running element that is 24th in the country averages 232.5 yards per game behind the talented duo of Mark Walton and Joe Yearby. The team isn’t deep at wide receiver but junior receiver Stacy Coley (15 catches, 211 yards, four TDs) has been the main threat but the combination of tight ends David Njoku and Chris Herndon gives the offense a set of tight ends that  are tough to defend because of their athleticism.

Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Hiring Richt also added defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to the staff and the defense has taken off because of him. Granted, the four teams Miami has played up to this point hasn’t been the stiffest of competition but the unit is seventh in total defense, fourth in sacks per game, and first in team tackles for loss. Freshmen linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Mike Pinckney combine for 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Their play is vital as this will be the best offensive line and running back that they will probably play all year.

Defensive end Chad Thomas has seen a revival to his career as well because of Diaz and has totaled 16 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

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