Miami is coming off a convincing 42-14 victory to claim their 10th win of the season. The Canes are now in a position to earn a berth in the ACC Championship Game, in Charlotte on December 7th against SMU.
But first they must beat Syracuse this Saturday to earn a spot in the big game. Miami has never won an ACC Championship since becoming a conference member in 2004.
Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) must travel to Syracuse, New York to take on the Syracuse Orange (8-3, 4-3 ACC) on Saturday at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Let’s step back and put the Orange under the microscope to see what the Canes will be up against.
Key Stats:
Syracuse is averaging 31.7 points per game this season, ranking #41st in the country. The Orange defense is allowing 27.8 points per game, ranking 88th in the nation.
Team Strength: Passing Attack
Syracuse’s key to victory is outscoring Miami’s prolific offense. Veteran quarterback Kyle McCord, transfer from Ohio State. Syracuse averages 48 passing attempts per game. McCord leads the nation with 3,946 passing yards. He has tossed 26 touchdown passes with a completion percentage of 65.3%. He has given up 12 interceptions. McCord has completed the most deep shots in the country, completing 32-of-66 passes of at least 20 yards downfield.
McCord spreads his passes around to five receivers with at least 400 receiving yards led by TE Oronde Gadsden (65 receptions, 810 yds, 5 TDs), WR Jackson Meeks (66 receptions, 801 yds, 5 TDs), WR Trevor Pena (73 receptions, 743 yds., 6 TDs), RB LeQuint Allen (55 receptions, 423 yds., 3 TDs) and WR Darrell Gill (26 receptions, 412 yds., 2 TDs).
Syracuse compliments that dangerous air attack with running back LeQuint Allen who has racked up 819 yards (4.3 ypc), and 12 touchdowns.
Team Weakness: Rushing Defense
Syracuse’s defense has struggled against the run, yielding 153 yards per game, 79th in the country. The Orange tackling grade in #114 in the nation. Syracuse has the worst run defense in the ACC this season.
Team Weakness: Offensive line
The Orange offensive line grades out as the ninth best unit in the ACC in pass protection and the 11th best in the conference in run blocking. Miami’s pass rush must disturb Syracuse’s passing attack.
This game could turn into an epic shootout between Cam Ward and Kyle McCord unless Miami grinds out long and productive drives on the ground against the Orange’s vulnerable run defense.
BOTTOM LINE:
While Miami is favored to win this game, the Canes must control the ball and force McCord out of his normal rhythm.
GO CANES!
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