Part 8 of the 12 part 2014 Miami Hurricane Opponent Video Series - @VT 10/23 (Thursday Night)

2014 Virginia Tech Football Preview

In Part 8 of the 2014 12 part opponent video series, I’m going to talk a little about the Virginia Tech Hokies, our opponent on Oct 23^rd on a Thursday Night off the BYE week up in Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA at 7:30 pm on ESPN.   

Lets first look at their Talent:

Logan Thomas, who had been the leader of this struggling offense for several years, has graduated and is now in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. That means the QB competition is wide open and the battle there is between Texas Tech transfer Michael Brewer and Mark Leal.

For many years, the O has certainly been a issue. You know what you’re getting with the Defense under Bud Foster, and Special Teams under Frank Beamer (Beamer Ball). The D isn’t what it once was, and not as strong as in years past. With a weak Offense, that has no quick fixes in the foreseeable future, specifically at QB, the offense will remain status quo in Blacksburg.

Next, I want to talk about the Coaching:

Frank Beamer has been the dean of College Football, however, something you’re starting to hear a little more in Blacksburg, chatter about Beamer being in the hot seat. The one that disagrees the most on this is the new AD there Whit Babcock.

Something Babcock said to the Roanoke Times back in May that was telling: "Yeah, he’s a Hall of Famer. You know what; they asked me that question, maybe with different words, in the interview process. I said, you know, if I earn Coach Beamer’s respect by proving to have character and competence -- I think those are the two keys to leadership -- if you have character and competence, and not that anybody is perfect, but I think poor character tears down leadership really fast. And you’d better be competent at your job too,” “But I think he knows I have a job to do too, and if there’s something I need to address with him that needs improvement, I would do that. But I haven’t seen any areas of that so far. And he’s a heck of a coach and I hope and plan on him being here for a long time."

With that, you can put to bed any thoughts of Beamer going anywhere anytime soon, and the same could be said for DC Bud Foster. While his D might not be as strong as in years past, he gets the most out of the personnel he has here.

Now, to their 2014 Schedule:

The Hokies are coming off an 8-5 season that included an ugly loss in the Sun Bowl to UCLA (12-42). Here’s how I see their schedule play out:

In their opener, 8/30 William & Mary: W

An easy opening game in 11 days, which the Hokies should roll over William and Mary cruise. The thing here is that the offense can get some traction under Brewer or Leal because Virginia Tech is going to need some serious offense in the next matchup in Columbus, OH.

In Week 2, 9/6 AT Ohio State: L

A trip to Columbus won’t bode well for the Hokies here. Their O is very weak, and the Buckeye defense should have a field day here. Look for a big game out of DE Joey Bosa being in the Hokie backfield all day and making life miserable for either Brewer and/or Leal. No way the Hokies are scoring 28 points vs that defense.  Buckeyes cruise in this one.

In week 3, 9/13 East Carolina: W

East Carolina is tough and one a co-favorite to win the AAC, however, they are not tough enough to win a game in Blacksburg. At this point, the O should be getting into a rhythm and after a projected bad loss in Columbus the previous week, VT is going to want to get back on track here. Look for this game to be the classic Beamer/Foster type of game, which is a physical running game, good aggressive defense and ST’s (which is the classic Beamer M.O.) VT bounces back nicely in this one.

In week 4, 9/20 Georgia Tech: W

GT’s triple option will be no match for VT’s D. The’ve won the last four times they’ve played GT, and look for it to be five after this one. VT rolls here. 

In week 5, 9/27 Western Michigan: W

They’re at home, and the Broncos went 1-11 last year. No way the Hokies lose this one, provided they don’t turn the ball over. Too many quality athletes for the Broncos to overcome here.

In Week 6 10/4 AT North Carolina: W

While Carolina might be the real deal in 2014, they always seem to lose a game they should win, and this will be one of them. As good as Larry Fedora is as a HC, and with them having momentum from last year’s end, and as good as QB Marquise Williams is, never underestimate a Bud Foster Defense in big games like this. His Defense will have an answer for Williams. VT wins a close one on the road, going into the BYE week a projected 5-1.

In Week 7, BYE week

In Week 8, 10/16 AT Pittsburgh: W

This game will be tough for Virginia Tech, however, they will have had 12 days off between the game at Carolina and this one at Heinz Field. Its on a Thursday Night (1^st of a back to back on Thursday Night). Yes, the Panthers have a few young playmakers on offense, however, with Tom Savage gone, look for the VT Defense to feast on Pitt’s QB and make some plays. Also, look for VT’s Special Teams to come up big and the O does just enough to win. Pitt lost too much on D, and in the end, VT gets the win over Pitt on the road

In Week 9, 10/23 Miami (FL): L
 
You know the Hurricanes will have payback on their minds for the ugly quagmire loss at Sun Life last year. Simple math here, win the Turnover battle and you win the game. Miami will win that battle and therefore leave Blacksburg with a win. VT drops to a projected 6-2 after this one.
In Week 10 11/1 Boston College: W

BC lost too many key players on both sides of the ball to hang with the Hokies for 4 quarters. It’ll be close for 2 ½ quarters, before VT’s talent starts to take over and win going away late. VT gets the nod here.
In Week 11, 11/15 AT Duke: L

The Hokies just barely let this game slip away last season, but I have a feeling that the secondary will be excellent for this game. Duke can score points with quarterback Anthony Boone,  and will do so in this game. The Duke D makes some plays and hands VT a second loss in a row in this series.
In Week 12, 11/22 AT Wake Forest: W

Wake Forest has a very athletic secondary but other than that, there is no reason why the Hokies should lose this game, and they won’t, especially after the projected loss in Durham the week before. VT wins big here.
In Week 13, 11/28 Virginia: W

This will be no contest here, yes it’s a rivalry, but the Cavaliers will be in such disarray here and Mike London will likely be canned a few days after this game is over. VT is still king in that state. VT wins handily here to finish a projected 9-3. 

My prediction on the Game vs. CANES:

I look for this game to be physical and very hard hitting. I don’t need to tell any of my fellow CANES about the ugly quagmire loss at Sun Life last year. We’ll be coming off a BYE, and we’re going to go up there with a chip on our shoulders. We’re going to make some plays on D and on ST’s to win this one on the road.

In Part 9 of the 2014 series, I will talk about the North Carolina Tar Heels, our opponent on November 1^st at Sun Life Stadium.

Part 7 of the 12 part 2014 Miami Hurricane Opponent Video Series - Cincinnati 10/11

2014 Cincinnati Football Preview

In Part 7 of the 2014 12 part opponent video series, I’m going to talk a little about the Cincinnati Bearcats, our opponent on Oct 11^th at Sun Life Stadium. 

Lets first look at their Talent:

This might a team that has a real special season, provided that Gunner Kiel is consistent and accurate and their Defense stays consistent all year with a new DC in charge. Kiel was on the scout team. If he’s the player that was the five-star out of Indiana, then this offense is going to one teams would not want to face. The backup will be JC transfer Jarred Evans. The old starter Munchie Legaux is back for his 5^th year after suffering a severe knee injury last September. Their running game is strong again as their top three rushers return in Hosey Williams, Ralph David Abernathy and Tion Green. Their ok at the WR position with Seniors Shaq Washington and Chris Moore returning. Washington is an excellent possession receiver who had 78 catches last year. Their O-Line gets three of their starters back in 2014, which includes tackle Eric Lefeld (6-6 309).

Defensively, they are outstanding. In spite of being 9^th nationally in Total D, they still canned Art Kaufman and replaced him with Hank Hughes. Hughes will continue to run the 4-3 defense that was implemented last year. When you look at their D, the core is at the LB position. They get back both Nick Temple and Jeff Luc. Temple had 80 tackles in 2013, Luc finished with 43. On their D-Line, they have back Silverberry Mouhon, who finished with 9 ½ sacks. In the secondary, they have back Safety Zach Edwards, who ended the season with 73 tackles and CB Howard Wilder, who had 35 tackles. If the LB position needed any more depth, they added former Northwestern transfer Eric Wilson which will allow Luc to move to the Middle LB position.

Next, I want to talk about the Coaching:

Wherever Tommy Tuberville has been, he’s won (Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech, and now Cincinnati). This will be year 2 in the Queen City for Tubs, and gets the most out of what he has and develops that talent. We’ll see how he does in Year 2. 

 

Now, to their 2014 Schedule:

Cincinnati went 9-4 last season and finished third in the AAC, so let’s break down their 2014 schedule and how it projects to play out:

In their opener, 9/12 – vs. Toledo (WIN)

Their opener is on a Friday Night this year. Toledo will have two games under their belt, which will make this game close for a half, but in the 2^nd half, the Bearcats get it together, work out the kinks, and win this one going away.

In Week 2, 9/20 – vs. Miami-of-Ohio (WIN)

The Redhawks have a new coach in Chuck Martin who comes over from Notre Dame. When people say “Turn things around”, it’ll mean different things to people. In Miami (OH)’s case, it means to have a fighting chance in MAC contests, , they won’t get the Victory Bell, not this year. Cincinnati wins big here.

In week 3, 9/27 – at Ohio State (LOSS)

If Cincinnati is going to have that magical season, this is one of the two games that will determine that. This will be a tough game, in the end, the Buckeyes are at home, and this is a game they don’t lose. Ohio State gets the nod here to drop the Bearcats to a projected 2-1.

In week 4, 10/4 – vs. Memphis (WIN)

Memphis is a team on the rise, and they will be better, they might get caught looking ahead to the game at Miami the following week. Its on a Wednesday Night and Cincy is coming off a projected tough loss vs Ohio State, and they’ll want to get back on the winning track. Cincy the win here in a game that’s closer than people think.

In week 5, 10/11 – at Miami-Fla. (LOSS)

This is Tubs return to Miami for the first time since 1993, when he was the DC here. Understand this: These guys have the weapons to possibly beat the CANES. Given the fact that Miami after this game will have 13 days off before they go to Blacksburg on a Thursday Night, this is the classic trap game. Our secondary had a difficult time against “pro-style” offenses last season (hello, Teddy Bridgewater in Orlando) and we will have been battle tested at this point with projected wins over Louisville, Nebraska and the Duke (the Former two on the road), this will give the Miami D a lot of confidence going into this game. The Hurricanes will still be without their expected starter in Ryan Williams and will likely start a talented, yet inexperienced true freshman (Brad Kaaya) and possibly Jake Heaps (Transfer) under center. The Bearcats will be up for this game, but I think the CANES will match that intensity and find a way to win the one and spoil Tubs’ return to Miami. CANES win this one to drop the Bearcats to 3-2 in this projection.

In Week 6 10/18 – at SMU (Win)

Traveling from Cincinnati to Miami to Cincinnati to Dallas all within a seven-day time period doesn’t sound favorable, and the Bearcats could be set up for a major letdown following a very tough loss to the CANES. That will not happen, Tubs will have them ready to play and they should blast SMU in this one. Cincy bounces back nicely here. 

In Week 7, 10/24 – vs. South Florida (WIN)
After the win vs SMU, the Bearcats are back home to take on the USF Bulls. The Bearcats have too many weapons for USF to overcome here and the Bulls are another 2 years away from really being a force.  Cincinnati wins here handily at home.

In Week 8, 10/31 – at Tulane (WIN)

Yes, its Halloween night, and it can get very crazy in New Orleans that day. While the Green Wave will hang for a little while, in the end, the Bearcats just have too many weapons for the Tulane to overcome here. Cincy gets the win in the Bayou.

In Week 9, they have a BYE

In Week 10 11/13 – vs. East Carolina (Win)

In a game that will likely decide the AAC title, the ECU Pirates come into Nippert for a Thursday Night game. Cincinnati is 2-2 in Thursday night regular season games since 2010, and Tuberville teams are 2-5 in games following a bye week over the last five seasons.  Cincinnati will have been battle-tested with the early games at Ohio State and at Miami, however, that doesn’t mean they can adjust accordingly. While Shane Carden and company should score at will vs a young UC secondary, I think in the end, Cincinnati makes just enough plays at home to win this one in a high scoring affair.

In Week 11, 11/22 – at Connecticut (WIN)

While this will be a physical game, offensively, UConn doesn’t have the firepower to hang with the Bearcats for 4 quarters. Give the nod to Cincinnati here.
In Week 12, 11/29 – at Temple (WIN)

This is a possible trap game. The AAC title should be clinched in this one by the Bearcats. Yes, Temple will be improved, but not enough to hang with Cincinnati for 4 quarters.

In Week 13, 12/6 – vs. Houston (WIN)

Houston was successful in 2013 for its ability to force turnovers, leading the nation with 43 total turnovers gained (25 interceptions, 18 fumbles). Some of those forced turnovers were the difference in tight contests, as the Cougars played seven games in which the outcome was by 10 points or less. They were also remarkably lucky with how many times the cards fell in their favor. It’s going to be extremely difficult to replicate that kind of production this season, especially with the same attacking philosophy. Cincinnati should be able to watch the film and know how to prepare for this one, winning its season finale and heading into the postseason on a three-game winning streak.

My prediction on the Game vs. CANES:

We’ve beaten the Jackets 5 straight times, and I see nothing different after this one. Look for Duke to have a monster game on the ground, and the D shutting down the Triple Option of theirs. This is a game we win and win easily in Atlanta.
 
In Part 8 of the 2014 series, I will talk about the Virginia Tech Hokies, our opponent on October 23^rd (Thursday Night) up in Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. 

Part 6 of the 12 part 2014 Miami Hurricane Opponent Video Series - @GT 10/4

2014 Georgia Tech Football Preview

We’re halfway home, in Part 6 of the 2014 12 part opponent video series. I’m going to talk a little about the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, our opponent on Oct 4^th at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, GA. 

Lets first look at their Talent:

Just when people think GT takes that next step, they find a way to get back in the hole they’ve been in for the last couple of years. They don’t have the best talent out there, but when you add poor recruiting classes to the mix, it’s a recipe for disaster. GT’s classes in both 2010 and 2011 were ranked in the low 40s, which is so-so. However, the last three classes in Atlanta dropped to  No. 51 (2014), 71 (2013) and 56 (2012). Look for them to be on the bottom half of the talent pool in the ACC in 2014.  Its nothing out of the ordinary here, but look closer and you see that the pressure to win, gets more intense. Scratching out a chance to be bowl eligible will be tough. When you add the fact that they only have back 51 percent of their defensive production from a year ago, that’s trouble. The up side here is that they do return three starters on the O-Line and 74 percent of their offensive output. Look for shootouts early in the year.

Next, I want to talk about the Coaching:

When you look at Paul Johnson, he was the hottest coach in the league early in his tenure, but things have dropped off the last few years in Atlanta. The heat is on Johnson this year to get back to where they were early in his GT tenure. If they have another subpar year in Atlanta, the calls for Johnson’s ouster will grow louder.

Now, to their 2014 Schedule:

Off a 7-6 record in 2013, the Yellow Jackets will have another brutal schedule in 2014 Let’s break the Jackets schedule down.
In their opener, 8/30 vs. Wofford: W

The Jackets opening against an FCS opponent at home in Wofford. This team needs confidence, especially with a New QB at the helm in Justin Thomas. GT wins this one big here.
In Week 2, 9/6 at Tulane: W

Even though, they go down to New Orleans, this is a game GT should and I predict, will win. They just need Thomas to make some plays with his arm, but not too much though.  GT’s triple-option should be humming here and they leave the Bayou with a victory to go to 2-0 in this projection
In week 3, 9/13 vs. Georgia Southern: W

This is a game Johnson’s boys should win, but they should tread lightly here. They’d better get any kinks they might have offensively out of their system here, because after this game, the road gets much tougher. GT to a projected 3-0 after this one.
In week 4, 9/20 at Virginia Tech: L

VT have beaten the Yellow Jackets four straight times and after this one, look for it to be 5 in a row. Even though Bud Foster, doesn’t have the best personnel on D in comparison to recent years, his D’s has had success against the option offense and I see him defeating it again in 2014. VT beats the Jackets to drop them to a projected 3-1.

In week 5, they have a BYE

In Week 6 off the BYE, 10/4 vs. Miami (Fla.): L
Miami comes calling on Atlanta to take on the Jackets. The Hurricanes have had their way with the Jackets the last few years, and with a healthy Johnson back at RB, look for the dominance over the Jackets to continue. CANES over GT to drop the Jackets to a projected 3-2.
In Week 7, 10/11 vs. Duke: L

This game won’t be close at all. While Duke isn’t known for D, it won’t be the replay of last year up in Durham where GT just demolished Duke. Look for a big game out of Jamison Crowder for Duke. Duke too strong here, and they get their payback with a road win over the Jackets to drop GT to a projected 3-3.

In Week 8, 10/18 at North Carolina: L

GT makes the trip up to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels, who could very well be a force to deal with in the Coastal this year. It’s going to be difficult to go into Chapel Hill and come out with a victory, and when you factor in their QB Marquise Williams being one that can put up points very quickly and a porous Tech D, UNC wins this one handily over the Jackets to drop them to a projected 3-4.

In Week 9, 10/25 at Pittsburgh: W

If GT is going to start getting off the mat and get back in the win column, this would be the game to do it here. Pitt lost Aaron Donald to the NFL and their D-Line is weak depth wise. Look for Johnson’s triple option offense to have a field day against that weakened Pitt D up front. Look for a good game out of Thomas, especially when he doesn’t have to throw the ball too much in this one. GT gets the win to get back to a projected 4-4.

In Week 10 11/1 vs. Virginia: W

The Jackets are back home to take on a dreadful Cavalier team, whose coach has a hot seat that will be on fire at this point. It won’t cool after this one either. This is going to be the easiest win of the season for GT here. GT improves to a projected 5-4.

In Week 11, 11/8 at NC State: W

NC State were ranked last in the ACC against the run in 2013, so if there’s another huge game on the ground for the Jackets, this game is it. You’ll see in this one, the classic Paul Johnson M.O., time of possession, long drives, and a punishing triple-option attack here, with their D getting off the field quickly. GT wins this one to improve to a projected 6-4.

In Week 12, 11/15 vs. Clemson: L

It gets tough for the Jackets, with Clemson coming to town. Clemson just has too many weapons for GT in this one. Clemson has a great defense, who is led by All-American DE Vic Beasley, who will have a field day in the GT backfield. Clemson just has way too many weapons here, and a coach in Dabo that knows how to use them. Clemson big here to drop the Jackets to a projected 6-5.  

In Week 13, they have a BYE

In the season finale, 11/29 vs. Georgia: L
 
While this is a rivalry game, this won’t be a rout. Besides, GT got off  to a 20-point lead last season in Athens, before eventually losing in overtime. While the Bulldogs don’t have Aaron Murray under center anymore, their defense should be more than enough to handle the option attack. UGa wins this one to end GT’s regular season at 6-.

My prediction on the Game vs. CANES:

We’ve beaten the Jackets 5 straight times, and I see nothing different after this one. Look for Duke to have a monster game on the ground, and the D shutting down the Triple Option of theirs. This is a game we win and win easily in Atlanta.
 
In Part 7 of the 2014 series, I will talk about the Cincinnati Bearcats, our opponent on October 11^th at Sun Life Stadium.