2011 Miami Hurricanes Game Preview
written by: BB73, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucky Katt, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, and jwinslow
Preface
These two teams met in an epic National Championship game at the end of the 2002 season. The Buckeyes won that classic battle 31-24 in two OTs, stopping Miami's winning streak at 34 straight games. The Hurricanes are still waiting to hold their post-game victory party after that game, although recent news from South Florida indicates that some folks down there have done some partying in the last 8 years.
And since that Title Game, the results for the Canes have been below par, compared to the stellar 20-year run they had from 1983-2002. That run started with another classic bowl game, when #5 Miami was fortunate to face #1 Nebraska in the pre-BCS days, and the results of undefeated Texas losing to Georgia in the Cotton Bowl and #4 Illinois losing to UCLA in the Rose Bowl gave them a shot at jumping #1. When Tom Osborne bravely had the Huskers attempt a 2-point conversion that fell incomplete, the 31-30 win resulted in a national title for Howard Schnellenberger's Canes. Yes, the same Howard Schnellenberger who is now in his 11th and final year at Florida Atlantic, which managed just one official first down in their game against Sparty last week. They could have had another, but the running back fumbled after he went past the marker, and that play ended up with Sparty returning it for a TD instead of doubling the Owl's first down total.
The next year, 1984, was Jimmy Johnson's first in Coral Gables, and it included two memorably painful back-to-back home losses. They blew a 31-0 halftime lead and lost 42-40 to a Maryland team QB'd by Frank Reich, who later led the Buffalo Bills' historic comeback over Houston in the NFL playoffs. The 31-point comeback by Maryland was a record in Division I-A which was tied by tOSU's 1989 win at Minnesota, and broken in 2006 by Sparty's 41-38 win over Northwestern after they trailed 38-3. The Canes' next game came on the day after Thanksgiving, and ended with a pass from Doug Flutie falling into the arms of Gerard Phelan in the end zone. Many Buckeye fans believe that play cost Keith Byars the 1984 Heisman Trophy, but actually a high percentage of ballots had already been mailed in by then and Flutie held a significant lead in the voting.
But Jimmy Johnson, being a survivor, led the Canes to better seasons. In '86 they went undefeated in the regular season and Vinny Testaverde won the Heisman, and they showed up to the Fiesta Bowl wearing fatigues. But Vinny's 5 interceptions allowed Penn State to win their second national title in their days as an independent. Miami then went 12-0 in 1987, wrapping up the NC with an Orange Bowl win over Barry Switzer's Sooners. In 1988, their only loss was a 31-30 decision in South Bend, and that win in the 'Catholics vs. Convicts' game allowed Notre Dame to win their last National Title.
After Jimmy left for the Dallas Cowboys, Dennis Erickson led the Canes to a pair of national titles, in his rookie year of 1989 and then again in 1991, which was their first year in the Big East Conference, after having been an independent since the days of World War II. Erickson's final game was an Orange Bowl loss after the 1994 season which gave Tom Osborne his first National Title at Nebraska.
Between 1995 and 2000, the Canes were led by Butch Davis, but the program was impacted by the 'lack of institutional control' sanctions from the Pell Grant scandal and other issues that had occurred during Erickson's tenure. Before Davis left for the Cleveland Browns in 2001, however, he had rebuilt the program into a powerhouse. When Larry Coker took over, the Canes were on a 10-game winning streak, and after winning the 2001 National Title, the streak had reached 34 before being broken by the Buckeyes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. He went 11-2 in 2003, the team's last season in the Big East, and then went 9-3, 9-3 and 7-6 in the ACC before his removal after the 2006 season, when DC Randy Shannon was made head coach.
Shannon went 28-22 from 2007-2010, and despite some good wins, his team lacked the signature win that would signify to the country that the Canes were back to being a big-time program on the national scale. They fired him before their Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame last December, eventually hiring Al Golden form Temple, who lost his opener at Maryland while fielding a team missing QB Jacory Harris and several defensive starters.
Miami actually has some football history prior to the 1983 season. In 1963, QB George Mira finished 5th in the Heisman voting. Ted Hendricks finished 5th in the Heisman balloting in 1968 playing a standup defensive end, and the college award for the nation's best DE now bears his name. Nicknamed the 'Mad Stork' due to his tall, thin frame, he won 4 Super Bowl rings and is in both the College and NFL Halls of Fame.
Other College Hall of Fame members include safety Bennie Blades and just-elected Gino Torretta, who won the Heisman as a QB in 1992. Also Massillon-born Don James, who was a QB at Miami in the early 50s before going on to fame as the Washington Huskies head coach, winning national coach of the year honors and the Coaches National Title for the Huskies in 1991, when the Canes shared the title as AP #1. Don is the younger brother of the late Tommy James, who was on the 1942 National Title squad for the Buckeyes. The Washington-Miami connection continued in 1994, when the Huskies ended the Canes 58-game home winning streak, which is still the NCAA record.
NFL Hall-of-Famers include Ted Hendricks and Raiders center Jim Otto, WR Michael Irvin, and QB Jim Kelly, whose injury during that Houston-Buffalo playoff game allowed Frank Reich to come in lead the Bills comeback that was mentioned earlier.
The pre-1983 history includes 4 bowl victories and three top-10 Coaches poll finishes for the Canes: #9 in 1954, #6 in 1956, and #10 in 1966.
This will be tOSU's first regular season game in the state of Florida. The Buckeyes have a 2-8 record in Bowl games played in the state, including a victory in the 1977 Orange Bowl (in Miami). Ohio State is 36-17 in night games all time.
Head coach Luke Fickell will look to become just the ninth Ohio State head coach and the first since Earle Bruce to win his first three games as Ohio State's head coach.
Since 1941, the last eight Ohio State head coaches are 4-3-1 in road debuts. The last Buckeye head coach to win in his first road game was Earle Bruce, a 21-17 win at Minnesota in 1979.
Ohio State has not given up a sack in three consecutive games and 90 straight pass attempts going into the Miami game. The last sack Ohio State gave up was against rival Michigan in 2010.
Date and TimeAnd since that Title Game, the results for the Canes have been below par, compared to the stellar 20-year run they had from 1983-2002. That run started with another classic bowl game, when #5 Miami was fortunate to face #1 Nebraska in the pre-BCS days, and the results of undefeated Texas losing to Georgia in the Cotton Bowl and #4 Illinois losing to UCLA in the Rose Bowl gave them a shot at jumping #1. When Tom Osborne bravely had the Huskers attempt a 2-point conversion that fell incomplete, the 31-30 win resulted in a national title for Howard Schnellenberger's Canes. Yes, the same Howard Schnellenberger who is now in his 11th and final year at Florida Atlantic, which managed just one official first down in their game against Sparty last week. They could have had another, but the running back fumbled after he went past the marker, and that play ended up with Sparty returning it for a TD instead of doubling the Owl's first down total.
The next year, 1984, was Jimmy Johnson's first in Coral Gables, and it included two memorably painful back-to-back home losses. They blew a 31-0 halftime lead and lost 42-40 to a Maryland team QB'd by Frank Reich, who later led the Buffalo Bills' historic comeback over Houston in the NFL playoffs. The 31-point comeback by Maryland was a record in Division I-A which was tied by tOSU's 1989 win at Minnesota, and broken in 2006 by Sparty's 41-38 win over Northwestern after they trailed 38-3. The Canes' next game came on the day after Thanksgiving, and ended with a pass from Doug Flutie falling into the arms of Gerard Phelan in the end zone. Many Buckeye fans believe that play cost Keith Byars the 1984 Heisman Trophy, but actually a high percentage of ballots had already been mailed in by then and Flutie held a significant lead in the voting.
But Jimmy Johnson, being a survivor, led the Canes to better seasons. In '86 they went undefeated in the regular season and Vinny Testaverde won the Heisman, and they showed up to the Fiesta Bowl wearing fatigues. But Vinny's 5 interceptions allowed Penn State to win their second national title in their days as an independent. Miami then went 12-0 in 1987, wrapping up the NC with an Orange Bowl win over Barry Switzer's Sooners. In 1988, their only loss was a 31-30 decision in South Bend, and that win in the 'Catholics vs. Convicts' game allowed Notre Dame to win their last National Title.
After Jimmy left for the Dallas Cowboys, Dennis Erickson led the Canes to a pair of national titles, in his rookie year of 1989 and then again in 1991, which was their first year in the Big East Conference, after having been an independent since the days of World War II. Erickson's final game was an Orange Bowl loss after the 1994 season which gave Tom Osborne his first National Title at Nebraska.
Between 1995 and 2000, the Canes were led by Butch Davis, but the program was impacted by the 'lack of institutional control' sanctions from the Pell Grant scandal and other issues that had occurred during Erickson's tenure. Before Davis left for the Cleveland Browns in 2001, however, he had rebuilt the program into a powerhouse. When Larry Coker took over, the Canes were on a 10-game winning streak, and after winning the 2001 National Title, the streak had reached 34 before being broken by the Buckeyes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. He went 11-2 in 2003, the team's last season in the Big East, and then went 9-3, 9-3 and 7-6 in the ACC before his removal after the 2006 season, when DC Randy Shannon was made head coach.
Shannon went 28-22 from 2007-2010, and despite some good wins, his team lacked the signature win that would signify to the country that the Canes were back to being a big-time program on the national scale. They fired him before their Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame last December, eventually hiring Al Golden form Temple, who lost his opener at Maryland while fielding a team missing QB Jacory Harris and several defensive starters.
Miami actually has some football history prior to the 1983 season. In 1963, QB George Mira finished 5th in the Heisman voting. Ted Hendricks finished 5th in the Heisman balloting in 1968 playing a standup defensive end, and the college award for the nation's best DE now bears his name. Nicknamed the 'Mad Stork' due to his tall, thin frame, he won 4 Super Bowl rings and is in both the College and NFL Halls of Fame.
Other College Hall of Fame members include safety Bennie Blades and just-elected Gino Torretta, who won the Heisman as a QB in 1992. Also Massillon-born Don James, who was a QB at Miami in the early 50s before going on to fame as the Washington Huskies head coach, winning national coach of the year honors and the Coaches National Title for the Huskies in 1991, when the Canes shared the title as AP #1. Don is the younger brother of the late Tommy James, who was on the 1942 National Title squad for the Buckeyes. The Washington-Miami connection continued in 1994, when the Huskies ended the Canes 58-game home winning streak, which is still the NCAA record.
NFL Hall-of-Famers include Ted Hendricks and Raiders center Jim Otto, WR Michael Irvin, and QB Jim Kelly, whose injury during that Houston-Buffalo playoff game allowed Frank Reich to come in lead the Bills comeback that was mentioned earlier.
The pre-1983 history includes 4 bowl victories and three top-10 Coaches poll finishes for the Canes: #9 in 1954, #6 in 1956, and #10 in 1966.
This will be tOSU's first regular season game in the state of Florida. The Buckeyes have a 2-8 record in Bowl games played in the state, including a victory in the 1977 Orange Bowl (in Miami). Ohio State is 36-17 in night games all time.
Head coach Luke Fickell will look to become just the ninth Ohio State head coach and the first since Earle Bruce to win his first three games as Ohio State's head coach.
Since 1941, the last eight Ohio State head coaches are 4-3-1 in road debuts. The last Buckeye head coach to win in his first road game was Earle Bruce, a 21-17 win at Minnesota in 1979.
Ohio State has not given up a sack in three consecutive games and 90 straight pass attempts going into the Miami game. The last sack Ohio State gave up was against rival Michigan in 2010.
Date: Saturday, September 17th, 2011
Time: 7:30 ET Kickoff
Location: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
Constructed: 1987 (as Joe Robbie Stadium)
Seating Capacity: 75,540
Playing Surface: Prescription Athletic Turf (Natural Grass)
Events:
Time: 7:30 ET Kickoff
Location: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
Constructed: 1987 (as Joe Robbie Stadium)
Seating Capacity: 75,540
Playing Surface: Prescription Athletic Turf (Natural Grass)
Events:
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPN: Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analysis), and Holly Rowe (sideline)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (97.1 FM TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (analysis), and Marty Bannister (sideline). The game will also be broadcast on Sirius radio channel 134.
2011 Miami Hurricanes Offensive Preview
So how'd that whole smooth transition to coach at Miami work, Coach Al Golden? Coach Golden walked into what turned out to be a mess this year, inheriting an underachieving team that ended up with several players in trouble with the NCAA and suspended for at least one game. Without arguably his 2 best players on offense, the 'Canes dropped their opener to Maryland and looked rather unimpressive offensively in doing it. Now Jacory Harris and Travis Benjamin are back, and Golden and OC Jedd Fisch are hoping that with all the pieces in place, their offense improves on that 79th ranking (367 yards in the opener). The running game appeared to be in reasonable shape (172 yards, T45th) but the passing game was shaky at best (209 yards, T84th) and still sack and turnover prone. Enter a squad at much more full strength and with something to prove at home, and the Buckeyes can expect their best effort. Golden is a fine coach and will get results at Miami...whether that is this year or not remains to be seen.
Quarterbacks
QB #12 Jacory Harris (6-4, 195, SR, Northwestern HS, Miami, FL)
Harris is back after serving a one game suspension. It might be a bit of surprise that he has been immediately put back in the starting lineup with a new coach in town, but backup Stephen Morris (#17) struggled at Maryland last week. Harris has had a roller coaster tenure at Miami, playing brilliantly in some games and terribly in others. Overall the team has underachieved in recent seasons, and that led to the coaching change. It is certainly not fair to place all of that blame on the QB, but Harris has been erratic as a passer and has turned the ball over far too many times. In 2009 he threw for over 3300 yards and 24 TDs, but he also threw 17 INTs and was sacked 34 times. Last year he threw for over 200 yards in each of the first 7 games and he took only 11 sacks in 9 starts, but his completion % was significantly down (to 54.8%) and he still tossed more INTs (15) than TDs (14). His 4 INTs against Ohio State highlighted a relentless Buckeye defensive effort that led to the big victory at Ohio Stadium. Harris was injured in the 8th game of the season and played sparingly after that as Miami dropped 4 of their final 6 games. He is a streaky passer who doesn't respond particularly well to pressure in the pocket and who is not really a threat to gain yards on the ground. Still, he ranks in the top 5 of several major passing categories at Miami, and with the amount of upheaval in the program this year, he has a big chance to cement a positive legacy by providing leadership and consistent play for the remainder of the season. If the 'Canes are going to compete in the ACC this year, he will have to.
Morris filled in for Harris after he got hurt last year and played OK in spots, but his completion percentage was low (53.6%), he threw more INTs (9) than TDs (7) and Miami struggled down the stretch. He started the opener against Maryland, where he threw for almost 200 yards but was sacked twice and threw two costly picks in the defeat. At this point he looks like a fill-in and not much more, but he is still young and brings an added dimension to the offense with the ability to pick up some yards on the ground on occasion. He has had his feet in the fire early in his career now and he is only a sophomore, so he could develop into a solid QB as an upperclassman.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State QBs
*Morris: 19/28 (67.9%), 195 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 112.1 rating; 6/4, 1 TD
Bauserman: 28/46 (60.9%), 352 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 153.8 rating; 8/39, 1 TD
Harris is coming off of a stretch where he was hurt and ineffective at the end of 2010 and was suspended for the 2011 opener. It will be very interesting to see what he brings to the table, especially in light of last season's nightmare performance in Columbus. Miami never really recovered offensively from that game, and Harris will have to be a lot more steady in this year's game if Miami is going to compete. Still, it is unrealistic to expect there will be no rust, and for a streaky and turnover-prone QB, that could spell trouble. Morris can play but it is unlikely he will supplant Harris or play better than he does, or else he would still have the starting job. Bauserman looked shakier last week after a stellar week 1, but his maturity and experience should help on the road.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #6 Lamar Miller (5-11, 212, SO, Killian HS, Miami, FL)
Miller was the team's second leading rusher last season, gaining over 600 yards and scoring 6 TDs on 6 yards a carry. He played quite a bit in the second half of last year, gaining 125 yards against Maryland and 163 against Virginia Tech and scoring a TD in four of the final 5 games. He has good size and good speed and can catch out of the backfield (12 receptions last year). He had a nice opener against the Terps, gaining 119 yards on just 18 carries and scoring a TD. He's still young and learning the nuances of the position, but he is already productive and has a healthy 6.6 YPC average to start the season. It will be critical for the 'Canes for him to be effective early in the year so he can take some heat off of the returning Harris.
Backing up Miller is Mike James (#5), who was second on the team with 398 rushing yards and scored 3 TDs in 2010. James has more of a fullback build (5-11, 222) and is a more punishing runner who can be effective in red zone and short yardage situations. He played quite a bit in the middle of last season (high of 84 yards against Duke) and had 34 yards and a TD in the opener this year. Miami will also turn to Maurice Hagens (#33), who is even bigger than James (5-11, 240). He can play some fullback and had 4 carries for 15 yards in the opener, so it is likely we will see him Saturday as well.
RB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State RBs
Miller: 18/119 yards, 1 TD, 6.6 YPC; 2 rec/3 yards, 0 TDs, 1.5 YPR
James: 12/34 yards, 1 TD, 2.8 YPC; 2 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 10.5 YPR
Hagens: 4/15 yards, 0 TDs, 3.8 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 39/169 yards, 2 TDs, 4.3 YPC; 5 rec/39 yards, 0 TDs, 7.8 YPR
Smith: 25/98 yards, 1 TD, 3.9 YPC; 1 rec/5 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Miller could develop into the primary threat on this Miami offense, and his success will translate well for the passing game as well. Look for Miami to establish the run early and also use him for some short throws out of the backfield for Harris. he is a player that can be explosive and the Buckeyes will have to watch him bursting through the line or around the edge. His backups are maulers who can gain yards between the tackles. The Buckeye backs have put in some yeoman-like performances, but they have not quite shown the ability to dictate a game against quality opposition thus far. Hyde is a quality back and is also a threat out of the backfield.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #1 Allen Hurns (6-3, 185, SO, Carol City HS, Miami, FL)
WR #3 Travis Benjamin (5-10, 175, SR, Glades Central HS, Belle Glade, FL)
Hankerson got most of the pub last year, but Travis Benjamin has quietly put together a couple of decent seasons for the 'Canes, catching 43 passes for 743 yards and 3 TDs last season. He had to sit out the opener as part of the suspension fiasco, but will be back and should be plug and play in the lineup this week. He brings speed and a good deal of experience to the position, and his previous chemistry with Harris will be a plus for both as they crack back into the starting lineup. Hurns is a newcomer with good height and great speed who caught 4 passes for 69 yards in the opener, so he should see plenty of targets on Saturday night as well.
Miami has some experience and talent behind the starters as well. Senior LaRon Byrd (#2) has great size (6-4, 215) and caught 41 passes for 441 yards and a TD last year, which was very similar to his 2009 production. He has a wealth of experience and has been a regular contributor since he was a freshman, logging 19 starts and 98 catches thus far. Junior Tommy Streeter (#8) caught just one pass last year but logged 4 for 55 yards in the 2011 opener. Fellow junior Kendal Thompkins (#83) and freshman burner Phillip Dorsett (#85) are also in the mix.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State WRs
Hurns: 4 catches, 69 yards, 0 TDs, 17.3 YPR
Streeter: 4 catches, 55 yards, 0 TDs, 13.8 YPR
Byrd: 3 catches, 32 yards, 0 TDs, 10.7 YPR
Smith: 5 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, 23.8 YPR
Reed: 5 catches, 89 yards, 0 TDs, 17.8 YPR
Michael Irvin and Andre Johnson have set the bar awfully high at Miami. It is unclear whether anyone currently on the roster can ascend to those heights, but they do have several reasonably good players and, not surprisingly, a ton of speed to get downfield. Whether they can develop chemistry early with Harris back at QB and after a shaky opener is anyone's guess. The Hurricanes are deep, with 2 players providing leadership and plenty of experience and several others waiting in the wings to make a big impact. This is usually a position of strength for the 'Canes, and though it may not be as much so as in past years, they are still good enough to compete with most teams.
Edge: Miami
Tight Ends
TE #43 John Calhoun (6-3, 250, JR, Sebastian River HS, Micco, FL)
Calhoun is a converted fullback who redshirted last season. He has little playing experience beyond special teams and appears to be primarily a blocker, as he did not catch a pass last week. Backup Asante Cleveland (#82) has good size and started 2 games last season, catching 8 passes for 110 yards. He also caught a ball in the opener, so he will be used as more of a receiving threat. Senior Chase Ford (#9) caught 7 passes for 96 yards in 2010 and is also in the mix. Youngster Clive Walford (#46) also got his first taste of action against Maryland, catching one pass. The 'Canes will run a lot of double sets under coordinator Jedd Fisch, so most of these players will see the field regularly.
TE Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State TEs
Calhoun: 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Stoneburner: 8 catches, 93 yards, 4 TDs, 11.6 YPR
Not much to go on with Calhoun, though he doesn't appear to be a big threat downfield based on the opener. Still if he is a capable blocker he can help out in the running game. Cleveland has some experience and can catch the occasional pass, but doesn't look to be a consistent threat. Stoneburner has emerged this far as Bauserman's favorite target, and Fragel is a capable backup.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #61 Joel Figueroa (6-6, 323, SR, North Miami HS, Miami, FL)
LG #66 Harland Gunn (6-2, 310, SR, Central HS, Omaha, NE)
C #63 Tyler Horn (6-4, 305, SR, University HS, Memphis, TN)
RG #65 Brandon Linder (6-6, 310, SO, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Southwest Ranches, FL)
RT #72 Brandon Washington (6-4, 320, JR, Northwestern HS, Miami, FL)
The Miami line is a group with excellent size and agility, and three players are back from last year's Ohio State game in the trenches. Figueroa has moved around the line during his career, starting 9 games at RG in 2009 before moving to RT last year, where he started the first two games and was lost with an injury. He was granted a 6th year of eligibility and brings leadership and stability up front to the critical LT position, despite only making 15 starts in his career. Also on the left side, Gunn has moved around the line after starting 5 games at RG in 2009. He started all 13 games last year and can play either spot in the interior. He might be their most consistent player up front. In the middle, Horn is back after starting all 13 games there last year. He was ACC lineman of the week after the North Carolina game and is capable of really moving people around in the run game. On the right side, Linder has 6 career starts and can line up anywhere along the line. He is versatile and has a big frame that he uses effectively along the interior in the run game. He was ACC lineman of the week last year after the Georgia Tech game. At RT, Washington mans the position after moving around the line to start all 13 games a season ago. He is a giant on the wing that makes it difficult for pass rushers to get around the edge.
The reserves are a large group of underclassmen. At LT, freshman Malcolm Bunche (#79) is a giant (6-7, 320) who is emerging early to secure playing time. Along the interior, junior Jeremy Lewis (#68) is a converted defensive lineman who is in the mix, along with freshman Shane McDermott (#62) and sophomore Jared Wheeler (#75). At RT, freshman Jon Feliciano (#70) could get time. This group of reserves is young and eager but has little game experience.
OL Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State OL
Both lines have some experienced players, but neither line has looked especially good against the top team they've played so far. Toledo caused too many problems for Bauserman and stuffed the run far too often, and Miami didn't do a great job of protecting Morris during the Maryland game, though the run game was relatively productive. Both units will have to step up big this week, and it is likely that the better trench play will determine the outcome of this game. Simon almost single-handedly ran over the interior of the Toledo line to shut down their final drive last weekend...it will be difficult to reproduce that kind of dominant performance, but the 'Cane line has some weak spots. The Buckeye line might well be better but they will have to prove it on the field this weekend in a hostile environment.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
Overall Analysis: It's rather difficult to know what to make of the Hurricane unit. They have a new coaching staff, have played only one game, and are dealing with suspension issues at key spots. Harris returns, but he will have to take care of the football and cope with the pass rush better than he has in the previous 2 years and better than he did against Ohio State last year. Miller appears to be the real deal at tailback, but Benjamin is coming off of suspension and the receiving corps looks like it could be a tad thin. Maryland's defense got good pressure on the QB and forced him into some mistakes, something the Buckeyes will have to repeat. The defense led the team to victory last season in this game, and they will likely have to do it again. Coach Al Golden will be anxious in his home opener to make a good impression...if he doesn't, he may find a 3/4 empty stadium the next time he runs out of the tunnel.
Overall Offensive Rating: B-
2011 Miami Hurricanes Defensive PreviewQuarterbacks
QB #12 Jacory Harris (6-4, 195, SR, Northwestern HS, Miami, FL)
Harris is back after serving a one game suspension. It might be a bit of surprise that he has been immediately put back in the starting lineup with a new coach in town, but backup Stephen Morris (#17) struggled at Maryland last week. Harris has had a roller coaster tenure at Miami, playing brilliantly in some games and terribly in others. Overall the team has underachieved in recent seasons, and that led to the coaching change. It is certainly not fair to place all of that blame on the QB, but Harris has been erratic as a passer and has turned the ball over far too many times. In 2009 he threw for over 3300 yards and 24 TDs, but he also threw 17 INTs and was sacked 34 times. Last year he threw for over 200 yards in each of the first 7 games and he took only 11 sacks in 9 starts, but his completion % was significantly down (to 54.8%) and he still tossed more INTs (15) than TDs (14). His 4 INTs against Ohio State highlighted a relentless Buckeye defensive effort that led to the big victory at Ohio Stadium. Harris was injured in the 8th game of the season and played sparingly after that as Miami dropped 4 of their final 6 games. He is a streaky passer who doesn't respond particularly well to pressure in the pocket and who is not really a threat to gain yards on the ground. Still, he ranks in the top 5 of several major passing categories at Miami, and with the amount of upheaval in the program this year, he has a big chance to cement a positive legacy by providing leadership and consistent play for the remainder of the season. If the 'Canes are going to compete in the ACC this year, he will have to.
Morris filled in for Harris after he got hurt last year and played OK in spots, but his completion percentage was low (53.6%), he threw more INTs (9) than TDs (7) and Miami struggled down the stretch. He started the opener against Maryland, where he threw for almost 200 yards but was sacked twice and threw two costly picks in the defeat. At this point he looks like a fill-in and not much more, but he is still young and brings an added dimension to the offense with the ability to pick up some yards on the ground on occasion. He has had his feet in the fire early in his career now and he is only a sophomore, so he could develop into a solid QB as an upperclassman.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State QBs
*Morris: 19/28 (67.9%), 195 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 112.1 rating; 6/4, 1 TD
Bauserman: 28/46 (60.9%), 352 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 153.8 rating; 8/39, 1 TD
Harris is coming off of a stretch where he was hurt and ineffective at the end of 2010 and was suspended for the 2011 opener. It will be very interesting to see what he brings to the table, especially in light of last season's nightmare performance in Columbus. Miami never really recovered offensively from that game, and Harris will have to be a lot more steady in this year's game if Miami is going to compete. Still, it is unrealistic to expect there will be no rust, and for a streaky and turnover-prone QB, that could spell trouble. Morris can play but it is unlikely he will supplant Harris or play better than he does, or else he would still have the starting job. Bauserman looked shakier last week after a stellar week 1, but his maturity and experience should help on the road.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #6 Lamar Miller (5-11, 212, SO, Killian HS, Miami, FL)
Miller was the team's second leading rusher last season, gaining over 600 yards and scoring 6 TDs on 6 yards a carry. He played quite a bit in the second half of last year, gaining 125 yards against Maryland and 163 against Virginia Tech and scoring a TD in four of the final 5 games. He has good size and good speed and can catch out of the backfield (12 receptions last year). He had a nice opener against the Terps, gaining 119 yards on just 18 carries and scoring a TD. He's still young and learning the nuances of the position, but he is already productive and has a healthy 6.6 YPC average to start the season. It will be critical for the 'Canes for him to be effective early in the year so he can take some heat off of the returning Harris.
Backing up Miller is Mike James (#5), who was second on the team with 398 rushing yards and scored 3 TDs in 2010. James has more of a fullback build (5-11, 222) and is a more punishing runner who can be effective in red zone and short yardage situations. He played quite a bit in the middle of last season (high of 84 yards against Duke) and had 34 yards and a TD in the opener this year. Miami will also turn to Maurice Hagens (#33), who is even bigger than James (5-11, 240). He can play some fullback and had 4 carries for 15 yards in the opener, so it is likely we will see him Saturday as well.
RB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State RBs
Miller: 18/119 yards, 1 TD, 6.6 YPC; 2 rec/3 yards, 0 TDs, 1.5 YPR
James: 12/34 yards, 1 TD, 2.8 YPC; 2 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 10.5 YPR
Hagens: 4/15 yards, 0 TDs, 3.8 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 39/169 yards, 2 TDs, 4.3 YPC; 5 rec/39 yards, 0 TDs, 7.8 YPR
Smith: 25/98 yards, 1 TD, 3.9 YPC; 1 rec/5 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Miller could develop into the primary threat on this Miami offense, and his success will translate well for the passing game as well. Look for Miami to establish the run early and also use him for some short throws out of the backfield for Harris. he is a player that can be explosive and the Buckeyes will have to watch him bursting through the line or around the edge. His backups are maulers who can gain yards between the tackles. The Buckeye backs have put in some yeoman-like performances, but they have not quite shown the ability to dictate a game against quality opposition thus far. Hyde is a quality back and is also a threat out of the backfield.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #1 Allen Hurns (6-3, 185, SO, Carol City HS, Miami, FL)
WR #3 Travis Benjamin (5-10, 175, SR, Glades Central HS, Belle Glade, FL)
Hankerson got most of the pub last year, but Travis Benjamin has quietly put together a couple of decent seasons for the 'Canes, catching 43 passes for 743 yards and 3 TDs last season. He had to sit out the opener as part of the suspension fiasco, but will be back and should be plug and play in the lineup this week. He brings speed and a good deal of experience to the position, and his previous chemistry with Harris will be a plus for both as they crack back into the starting lineup. Hurns is a newcomer with good height and great speed who caught 4 passes for 69 yards in the opener, so he should see plenty of targets on Saturday night as well.
Miami has some experience and talent behind the starters as well. Senior LaRon Byrd (#2) has great size (6-4, 215) and caught 41 passes for 441 yards and a TD last year, which was very similar to his 2009 production. He has a wealth of experience and has been a regular contributor since he was a freshman, logging 19 starts and 98 catches thus far. Junior Tommy Streeter (#8) caught just one pass last year but logged 4 for 55 yards in the 2011 opener. Fellow junior Kendal Thompkins (#83) and freshman burner Phillip Dorsett (#85) are also in the mix.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State WRs
Hurns: 4 catches, 69 yards, 0 TDs, 17.3 YPR
Streeter: 4 catches, 55 yards, 0 TDs, 13.8 YPR
Byrd: 3 catches, 32 yards, 0 TDs, 10.7 YPR
Smith: 5 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, 23.8 YPR
Reed: 5 catches, 89 yards, 0 TDs, 17.8 YPR
Michael Irvin and Andre Johnson have set the bar awfully high at Miami. It is unclear whether anyone currently on the roster can ascend to those heights, but they do have several reasonably good players and, not surprisingly, a ton of speed to get downfield. Whether they can develop chemistry early with Harris back at QB and after a shaky opener is anyone's guess. The Hurricanes are deep, with 2 players providing leadership and plenty of experience and several others waiting in the wings to make a big impact. This is usually a position of strength for the 'Canes, and though it may not be as much so as in past years, they are still good enough to compete with most teams.
Edge: Miami
Tight Ends
TE #43 John Calhoun (6-3, 250, JR, Sebastian River HS, Micco, FL)
Calhoun is a converted fullback who redshirted last season. He has little playing experience beyond special teams and appears to be primarily a blocker, as he did not catch a pass last week. Backup Asante Cleveland (#82) has good size and started 2 games last season, catching 8 passes for 110 yards. He also caught a ball in the opener, so he will be used as more of a receiving threat. Senior Chase Ford (#9) caught 7 passes for 96 yards in 2010 and is also in the mix. Youngster Clive Walford (#46) also got his first taste of action against Maryland, catching one pass. The 'Canes will run a lot of double sets under coordinator Jedd Fisch, so most of these players will see the field regularly.
TE Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State TEs
Calhoun: 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Stoneburner: 8 catches, 93 yards, 4 TDs, 11.6 YPR
Not much to go on with Calhoun, though he doesn't appear to be a big threat downfield based on the opener. Still if he is a capable blocker he can help out in the running game. Cleveland has some experience and can catch the occasional pass, but doesn't look to be a consistent threat. Stoneburner has emerged this far as Bauserman's favorite target, and Fragel is a capable backup.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #61 Joel Figueroa (6-6, 323, SR, North Miami HS, Miami, FL)
LG #66 Harland Gunn (6-2, 310, SR, Central HS, Omaha, NE)
C #63 Tyler Horn (6-4, 305, SR, University HS, Memphis, TN)
RG #65 Brandon Linder (6-6, 310, SO, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Southwest Ranches, FL)
RT #72 Brandon Washington (6-4, 320, JR, Northwestern HS, Miami, FL)
The Miami line is a group with excellent size and agility, and three players are back from last year's Ohio State game in the trenches. Figueroa has moved around the line during his career, starting 9 games at RG in 2009 before moving to RT last year, where he started the first two games and was lost with an injury. He was granted a 6th year of eligibility and brings leadership and stability up front to the critical LT position, despite only making 15 starts in his career. Also on the left side, Gunn has moved around the line after starting 5 games at RG in 2009. He started all 13 games last year and can play either spot in the interior. He might be their most consistent player up front. In the middle, Horn is back after starting all 13 games there last year. He was ACC lineman of the week after the North Carolina game and is capable of really moving people around in the run game. On the right side, Linder has 6 career starts and can line up anywhere along the line. He is versatile and has a big frame that he uses effectively along the interior in the run game. He was ACC lineman of the week last year after the Georgia Tech game. At RT, Washington mans the position after moving around the line to start all 13 games a season ago. He is a giant on the wing that makes it difficult for pass rushers to get around the edge.
The reserves are a large group of underclassmen. At LT, freshman Malcolm Bunche (#79) is a giant (6-7, 320) who is emerging early to secure playing time. Along the interior, junior Jeremy Lewis (#68) is a converted defensive lineman who is in the mix, along with freshman Shane McDermott (#62) and sophomore Jared Wheeler (#75). At RT, freshman Jon Feliciano (#70) could get time. This group of reserves is young and eager but has little game experience.
OL Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus Ohio State OL
Both lines have some experienced players, but neither line has looked especially good against the top team they've played so far. Toledo caused too many problems for Bauserman and stuffed the run far too often, and Miami didn't do a great job of protecting Morris during the Maryland game, though the run game was relatively productive. Both units will have to step up big this week, and it is likely that the better trench play will determine the outcome of this game. Simon almost single-handedly ran over the interior of the Toledo line to shut down their final drive last weekend...it will be difficult to reproduce that kind of dominant performance, but the 'Cane line has some weak spots. The Buckeye line might well be better but they will have to prove it on the field this weekend in a hostile environment.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
Overall Analysis: It's rather difficult to know what to make of the Hurricane unit. They have a new coaching staff, have played only one game, and are dealing with suspension issues at key spots. Harris returns, but he will have to take care of the football and cope with the pass rush better than he has in the previous 2 years and better than he did against Ohio State last year. Miller appears to be the real deal at tailback, but Benjamin is coming off of suspension and the receiving corps looks like it could be a tad thin. Maryland's defense got good pressure on the QB and forced him into some mistakes, something the Buckeyes will have to repeat. The defense led the team to victory last season in this game, and they will likely have to do it again. Coach Al Golden will be anxious in his home opener to make a good impression...if he doesn't, he may find a 3/4 empty stadium the next time he runs out of the tunnel.
Overall Offensive Rating: B-
The Hurricanes made off-season coaching changes, letting Randy Shannon go and bringing in head man Al Golden. Golden, who enjoyed relative success at Temple, brought his Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Mark D'Onofrio along with him. D'Onofrio and Golden go back to college, where from 1988 to 1991 the two of them played at Penn State. D'Onofrio, who played LB in college, was a team captain his senior year and was drafted in the second round of the 1992 NFL draft, 34th overall to the Green Bay Packers. After earning a starting role with the Packers as an inside LB his career was cut short after just 2 seasons by injury. In 1999 he took his first college coaching job at St. Peter's College in New Jersey. He was responsible for linebackers. In 2000 he worked with the Georgia Bulldogs staff before leaving to coach linebackers and coordinate recruiting at Rutgers. After Rutgers, D'Onofrio joined the University of Virginia staff in 2004 where he rejoined Golden. D'Onofrio was responsible for tight ends and special teams for his first season, before coaching LBs afterwards. When Golden became Temple's head coach he was named temple's Defensive Coordinator. While at Temple, D'Onofrio was integral in establishing a winning tradition at a school not known for football success. Temple won a single-season-record nine consecutive games en route to a 9-4 overall record and a first-place tie in the MAC East in 2009. The 2010 Owls won eight games, finishing 8-4, and became bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season for the first time in school history. A school record eight defensive players were named All-MAC, including five on the first team in 2009. Four student-athletes earned All-MAC honors in 2010. Sophomore Adrian Robinson earned 2009 MAC Defensive Player of the Year accolades, and senior Andre Neblett became Temple's first three-time All-MAC honoree. In 2008, D'Onofrio's defense helped Temple to the team's most wins since 1990 and a second-place finish in the MAC East. In 2008 D'Onofrio guided the Temple defense which ended up leading the MAC in five defensive statistical categories including red zone defense, which also ranked first nationally. The most telling stat, however, is that upon his arrival at Temple, the university was dead last in the NCAA. When he left after the 2010 season, Temple was rated 17th in both points allowed (19.1) and total yards (317.7).
It's not wise to take much from only one contest, so the following defensive statistics can only be valued in light of this reality. Compounding the issue is that Miami was without several suspended players, including DB Ray Ray Armstrong, LB Sean Spence, and several contributors off the D-Line, including returning junior staters Marcus Forston (DT) and Olivier Vernon (DE). In any event, the Hurricanes yielded 28 first downs and 151 yards rushing to the Terps, while the secondary was lit up for 348 yards. The 499 yards given up in the 32-24 loss is a bit of a departure from what Hurricanes fans had grown accustomed. The Canes did intercept one pass in their 26 plus minutes on the field, but generated and recovered no fumbles. The Canes were pretty good on third down, limiting the Terps to only 6 conversion in 14 opportunities. The did fail to stop two 4th down attempts, did not record a sack, and were scored upon in 5 of 7 red zone opportunities, 4 of which, however, were just field goals.
Defensive Line
LE #71 Anthony Chickillo (6-4, 248, Fr)
DT ##54 Micanor Regis (6-3, 305, Sr.)
DT #98 Darius Smith (6-2, 360, Jr.)
RE #48 Andrew Smith (6-3, 250, Sr.)
When the Canes came to Ohio Stadium last season, Vernon and Forston were starters along with departing seniors Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes. Owing to the suspensions of Forston and Vernon the Canes were left to start an entirely new defensive front 4. In his first game as a collegian, Chickillo recorded 2 tackles, one solo and one assist. He is listed as the projected starter against Ohio State, but backed up #56 Marcus Robinson (6-1, 255, Sr.) who got the start against the Terps. Regis earned starts in 10 games last season. A strong run stuffer with good quickness he was second among linemen in tackles last season. While he was able to make 8 stops behind the LOS in 2010 with 3 sacks, against the Terps he failed to record a backfield stop among his line-leading 4 tackles. Smith represents a huge presence at 360 pounds. Smith isn't quite the player as Forston, who he replaces, but shouldn't be "pushed around" very much even if he's slower to get to the QB owing to his girth. He had 3 stops against Maryland. Rounding out the starting front four is Andrew Smith, a natural pass rusher who was a quality second teamer behind Vernon last season, but who will be asked to do more this season as Vernon serves his suspension. He had 4 stops against the Terrapins.
Backups include ends: #56 Marcus Robinson (6-1, 255, Sr.), #97 Adewale Ojomo (6-4, 270, Jr.); and tackles: #93 Luther Robinson (6-3, 295, R-So.), and #96 Curtis Porter (6-1, 300, So.). Marcus Robinson, as noted above, was the starter in game one and should be expected to see plenty of action this Saturday. He recorded 3 stops with .5 being for loss. Porter, you may recall, left the 2010 Ohio State game with a season ending knee injury chasing down Terrelle Pryor. He did not see action against Maryland. Ojomo is streaky, dominant at times and invisible at others. This Saturday will be his first chance to play after sitting out his 1 game suspension for receiving improper benefits. Luther Robinson also failed to see any action in the opener.
DL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Miami versus OSU DL
With Vernon and Forston Miami would receive a higher grade here. It's not that Miami doesn't have quality athletes able to step into starting roles, it's more a matter of a team not getting better when they lose two projected starters. Again, it's hard to take much from only one game of data, but Miami's line was able to record zero sacks in route to affording over 350 yards passing while also allowing the Terps to run for 150 yards. That may simply be an outlier when all is said and done, but it still doesn't bode well preliminarily. Ohio State, conversely, has had 8 tackles behind the LOS including 5 sacks, albeit against lesser competition than the Terrapins. The Buckeyes are better served when Nathan Williams, but it was learned on Wednesday that h won't be available this weekend after having his knee scoped. Speaking of Toledo, it was during this game which John Simon made it clear he has the capacity to put the team on his back when needed. Expect him to perform at a high level this weekend.
Edge: Ohio State
LinebackersWLB #45 Ramon Buchanan (6-1, 222, Sr.)
MLB #59 James Gaines (6-3, 220, So.)
SLB #31 Sean Spence (6-0, 224, Sr.)
The Canes will have the services of Sean Spence again now that he's served his one game suspension for his involvement with a booster. Spence has speed and explosiveness and the ability to move in close quarters. Last season he recorded 110 tackles with a team leading 16 behind the LOS with 2.5 sacks. He has the potential to earn national honors even though he's starting a game behind most of the field. Gaines replaces outgoing senior MLB Colin McCarthy. A bit under the radar, Gaines has demonstrated a good nose for the football and has plenty of potential. Against the Terps he recorded 7 tackles. Buchanan's biggest issues may be off the field. The senior has been charged with three misdemeanors and two felonies this past March but has been reinstated nonetheless. He had 8 stops in week one with 2 coming for loss.
Reserve LBs include: #58 Jordan Futch (6-3, 235, Sr.), #36 Gionni Paul (6-0, 230, Fr.), and #52 Denzel Perryman (6-0, 217, Fr.). Futch was a high profile recruit coming out of high school and has not yet lived up to his potential. He has the potential and provides a good presence, but is losing his chances of living up to what had been expected of him. He had 4 stops against Maryland. Paul and Perryman are both true freshman and while they are both making early names for themselves early in their college careers are still prone to mistakes and having to adapt to the speed of the college game. Paul had 1 stop in his first game while Perryman recorded 3.
Linebacker Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus OSU LBs
The Canes LB corps will be better this Saturday than they were in week one simply because Spence will be available. Both Gaines and Buchanan are quality players, but neither is an improvement over the men they replaced off of last year's unit. Of course, Miami is able to recruit high level talent and it's not like Gaines or Buchanan are liabilities either. Still, neither is on the same level as Spence who should lead this group all season long now that he's eligible to do so. The Buckeyes have replaced two important starters off of last years defense as well in Brian Rolle and Ross Homan. Thus far, Miami native Etienne Sabino and Andrew Sweat have been up to the task. Much more will be learned this Saturday, however, when the level of competition steps up from the likes of Akron and Toledo. Since Jacory Harris is also back this week and slated to start, and inasmuch as his favorite receivers seem to wear the opposing team's colors, there may be opportunities this weekend for solidifying their route to becoming nationally recognized LBs in their own right. If there is a more noticeable difference it is the depth of each LB corps. Ohio State has more "known" depth available, whereas Miami is having to rely on Freshman.
Edge: Even, to slight edge to Ohio State
Secondary
CB #41 Mike Williams (6-1, 170, Sr.)
SS #29 Jo Jo Nicolas (6-1, 200, Sr.)
FS #7 Vaughn Telemaque (6-2, 207, Jr.)
CB #21 Brandon McGee (6-0, 190, Jr.)
This unit, like the line and the LBs, is missing a key component in its potential success with the 4 game suspension of Ray-Ray Amrstrong, who should be the starting strong safety. In his place is Nichols, a decent player with good athleticism, but one who simply is not better than Armstrong. Nichols did record 8 tackles in the opener and had half a tackle for loss. Still, it cannot be understated that the secondary was torched for over 350 yards and having your strong safety make that many tackles isn't necessarily a good indicator. In any case, Telemaque is the lone returning starter from last season and he's been a solid to great DB during his career. He's strong in run support, and yet quite able to manage his coverage responsibilities. He has as much potential to be great as just about anyone. He recorded the lone INT against Maryland and made 8 stops as well. Williams also recorded 8 stops, once again indicating more about the Terrapins success through the air than much else. Williams also recorded a stop behind the line, but he is not a step up from anyone off of last year's unit (the Canes lost VanDyke, Hill and Harris off of last year's group, the first two to eligibility and the latter to the NFL). McGee is the 4th DB and is also tied with his 3 colleagues in team lead for tackles with 8. McGee played in all but one game in 2010, but like Williams is not an improvement over what the Canes have lost.
Backup corners are: #32 Lee Chambers (5-10, 185, Sr.) and #20 Thomas Finnie (5-7, 170, Fr.) and safeties: #30 A.J. Highsmith (6-0, 195, Jr.), and #28 Andrew Swasey (5-10, 195, Jr.). Finnie may eventually supplant McGee at corner, but as a freshman he'd do so based more on raw talent than because of knowledge. At 170 pounds he may have issues matching up with bigger wideouts, but should nonetheless be quick enough afoot to stay with just about anyone else. He made 3 tackles against the Terps. Chambers also saw action in the opener making 3 stops, while Highsmith recorded 2 and Swasey one. Depth will be an issue for this secondary in 2011, but there is potential going forward.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus OSU DBs
Last season Miami had one of the stronger, if not the strongest secondary Ohio State faced. This season things should be different, though it's not necessarily true that the Buckeyes will be able to take advantage of the relative downgrade in that Terrelle Pryor is not at Ohio State any longer, and even if he were would be ineligible for Saturday's game. The Canes have much to replace at corner and if the Maryland game is any indication, there is a lot of work which will need to be done for the unit to become what Hurricane's fans have come to expect. The situation at safety will improve remarkably when Armstrong is once again available, but it may be asking too much of Telemaque in the short term. Still, Telemaque will likely find himself playing on Sundays soon enough so the talent is certainly there. As mentioned before, the Buckeyes; problems with injury last season and the suspension of Travis Howard in particular, who is cleared to play this weekend, have afforded several Buckeye DBs opportunities in meaningful minutes. It will also be a chance for C.J. Barnett to complete what he started in 2010 when he was having a breakout game against the Canes before suffering his season ending injury. The Buckeyes have more depth and get the edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
In light of the suspensions of several key contributors off the Miami stop forces, this preview may sound a tad harsh and unexpected. Likewise, it may be a bit of scarlet colored glasses where the Buckeyes are concerned since the Bucks have played two MAC teams, one of which was horrid, while the Canes took their lumps from a relatively superior opponent but were more outmanned than they will be this weekend. In short, there may be much to learn about both groups this weekend. Neither team is lacking in talent, but the Buckeyes seem to enjoy more "knowns" whereas the Canes have several question marks. While Ohio State has been what they always are thus far, the inescapable fact is there's not a lot to be learned in shutting down Akron and it can't be forgotten than Toledo was able to generate big plays and consistency on offense. It may be that the Bucks were simply uninspired last weekend. Nonetheless, if they play like that against the Canes, even with Harris throwing the ball around the yard, it could end up being an ugly day. The Canes, likewise, are better off that Pryor won't be in the stadium this Saturday as well as not having to worry about Boom Herron or DeVier Posey. In short, the Canes' weaknesses might easily be offset by the current state of affairs at QB for Ohio State. In the end, this game may be more about the players who won't be on the field than those who are. Not that that'll matter in the box score, but this contest falls short of the rematch everyone anticipated after last year's game.
Overall Defensive Rating: B-
It's not wise to take much from only one contest, so the following defensive statistics can only be valued in light of this reality. Compounding the issue is that Miami was without several suspended players, including DB Ray Ray Armstrong, LB Sean Spence, and several contributors off the D-Line, including returning junior staters Marcus Forston (DT) and Olivier Vernon (DE). In any event, the Hurricanes yielded 28 first downs and 151 yards rushing to the Terps, while the secondary was lit up for 348 yards. The 499 yards given up in the 32-24 loss is a bit of a departure from what Hurricanes fans had grown accustomed. The Canes did intercept one pass in their 26 plus minutes on the field, but generated and recovered no fumbles. The Canes were pretty good on third down, limiting the Terps to only 6 conversion in 14 opportunities. The did fail to stop two 4th down attempts, did not record a sack, and were scored upon in 5 of 7 red zone opportunities, 4 of which, however, were just field goals.
Defensive Line
LE #71 Anthony Chickillo (6-4, 248, Fr)
DT ##54 Micanor Regis (6-3, 305, Sr.)
DT #98 Darius Smith (6-2, 360, Jr.)
RE #48 Andrew Smith (6-3, 250, Sr.)
When the Canes came to Ohio Stadium last season, Vernon and Forston were starters along with departing seniors Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes. Owing to the suspensions of Forston and Vernon the Canes were left to start an entirely new defensive front 4. In his first game as a collegian, Chickillo recorded 2 tackles, one solo and one assist. He is listed as the projected starter against Ohio State, but backed up #56 Marcus Robinson (6-1, 255, Sr.) who got the start against the Terps. Regis earned starts in 10 games last season. A strong run stuffer with good quickness he was second among linemen in tackles last season. While he was able to make 8 stops behind the LOS in 2010 with 3 sacks, against the Terps he failed to record a backfield stop among his line-leading 4 tackles. Smith represents a huge presence at 360 pounds. Smith isn't quite the player as Forston, who he replaces, but shouldn't be "pushed around" very much even if he's slower to get to the QB owing to his girth. He had 3 stops against Maryland. Rounding out the starting front four is Andrew Smith, a natural pass rusher who was a quality second teamer behind Vernon last season, but who will be asked to do more this season as Vernon serves his suspension. He had 4 stops against the Terrapins.
Backups include ends: #56 Marcus Robinson (6-1, 255, Sr.), #97 Adewale Ojomo (6-4, 270, Jr.); and tackles: #93 Luther Robinson (6-3, 295, R-So.), and #96 Curtis Porter (6-1, 300, So.). Marcus Robinson, as noted above, was the starter in game one and should be expected to see plenty of action this Saturday. He recorded 3 stops with .5 being for loss. Porter, you may recall, left the 2010 Ohio State game with a season ending knee injury chasing down Terrelle Pryor. He did not see action against Maryland. Ojomo is streaky, dominant at times and invisible at others. This Saturday will be his first chance to play after sitting out his 1 game suspension for receiving improper benefits. Luther Robinson also failed to see any action in the opener.
DL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Miami versus OSU DL
With Vernon and Forston Miami would receive a higher grade here. It's not that Miami doesn't have quality athletes able to step into starting roles, it's more a matter of a team not getting better when they lose two projected starters. Again, it's hard to take much from only one game of data, but Miami's line was able to record zero sacks in route to affording over 350 yards passing while also allowing the Terps to run for 150 yards. That may simply be an outlier when all is said and done, but it still doesn't bode well preliminarily. Ohio State, conversely, has had 8 tackles behind the LOS including 5 sacks, albeit against lesser competition than the Terrapins. The Buckeyes are better served when Nathan Williams, but it was learned on Wednesday that h won't be available this weekend after having his knee scoped. Speaking of Toledo, it was during this game which John Simon made it clear he has the capacity to put the team on his back when needed. Expect him to perform at a high level this weekend.
Edge: Ohio State
LinebackersWLB #45 Ramon Buchanan (6-1, 222, Sr.)
MLB #59 James Gaines (6-3, 220, So.)
SLB #31 Sean Spence (6-0, 224, Sr.)
The Canes will have the services of Sean Spence again now that he's served his one game suspension for his involvement with a booster. Spence has speed and explosiveness and the ability to move in close quarters. Last season he recorded 110 tackles with a team leading 16 behind the LOS with 2.5 sacks. He has the potential to earn national honors even though he's starting a game behind most of the field. Gaines replaces outgoing senior MLB Colin McCarthy. A bit under the radar, Gaines has demonstrated a good nose for the football and has plenty of potential. Against the Terps he recorded 7 tackles. Buchanan's biggest issues may be off the field. The senior has been charged with three misdemeanors and two felonies this past March but has been reinstated nonetheless. He had 8 stops in week one with 2 coming for loss.
Reserve LBs include: #58 Jordan Futch (6-3, 235, Sr.), #36 Gionni Paul (6-0, 230, Fr.), and #52 Denzel Perryman (6-0, 217, Fr.). Futch was a high profile recruit coming out of high school and has not yet lived up to his potential. He has the potential and provides a good presence, but is losing his chances of living up to what had been expected of him. He had 4 stops against Maryland. Paul and Perryman are both true freshman and while they are both making early names for themselves early in their college careers are still prone to mistakes and having to adapt to the speed of the college game. Paul had 1 stop in his first game while Perryman recorded 3.
Linebacker Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus OSU LBs
The Canes LB corps will be better this Saturday than they were in week one simply because Spence will be available. Both Gaines and Buchanan are quality players, but neither is an improvement over the men they replaced off of last year's unit. Of course, Miami is able to recruit high level talent and it's not like Gaines or Buchanan are liabilities either. Still, neither is on the same level as Spence who should lead this group all season long now that he's eligible to do so. The Buckeyes have replaced two important starters off of last years defense as well in Brian Rolle and Ross Homan. Thus far, Miami native Etienne Sabino and Andrew Sweat have been up to the task. Much more will be learned this Saturday, however, when the level of competition steps up from the likes of Akron and Toledo. Since Jacory Harris is also back this week and slated to start, and inasmuch as his favorite receivers seem to wear the opposing team's colors, there may be opportunities this weekend for solidifying their route to becoming nationally recognized LBs in their own right. If there is a more noticeable difference it is the depth of each LB corps. Ohio State has more "known" depth available, whereas Miami is having to rely on Freshman.
Edge: Even, to slight edge to Ohio State
Secondary
CB #41 Mike Williams (6-1, 170, Sr.)
SS #29 Jo Jo Nicolas (6-1, 200, Sr.)
FS #7 Vaughn Telemaque (6-2, 207, Jr.)
CB #21 Brandon McGee (6-0, 190, Jr.)
This unit, like the line and the LBs, is missing a key component in its potential success with the 4 game suspension of Ray-Ray Amrstrong, who should be the starting strong safety. In his place is Nichols, a decent player with good athleticism, but one who simply is not better than Armstrong. Nichols did record 8 tackles in the opener and had half a tackle for loss. Still, it cannot be understated that the secondary was torched for over 350 yards and having your strong safety make that many tackles isn't necessarily a good indicator. In any case, Telemaque is the lone returning starter from last season and he's been a solid to great DB during his career. He's strong in run support, and yet quite able to manage his coverage responsibilities. He has as much potential to be great as just about anyone. He recorded the lone INT against Maryland and made 8 stops as well. Williams also recorded 8 stops, once again indicating more about the Terrapins success through the air than much else. Williams also recorded a stop behind the line, but he is not a step up from anyone off of last year's unit (the Canes lost VanDyke, Hill and Harris off of last year's group, the first two to eligibility and the latter to the NFL). McGee is the 4th DB and is also tied with his 3 colleagues in team lead for tackles with 8. McGee played in all but one game in 2010, but like Williams is not an improvement over what the Canes have lost.
Backup corners are: #32 Lee Chambers (5-10, 185, Sr.) and #20 Thomas Finnie (5-7, 170, Fr.) and safeties: #30 A.J. Highsmith (6-0, 195, Jr.), and #28 Andrew Swasey (5-10, 195, Jr.). Finnie may eventually supplant McGee at corner, but as a freshman he'd do so based more on raw talent than because of knowledge. At 170 pounds he may have issues matching up with bigger wideouts, but should nonetheless be quick enough afoot to stay with just about anyone else. He made 3 tackles against the Terps. Chambers also saw action in the opener making 3 stops, while Highsmith recorded 2 and Swasey one. Depth will be an issue for this secondary in 2011, but there is potential going forward.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Miami versus OSU DBs
Last season Miami had one of the stronger, if not the strongest secondary Ohio State faced. This season things should be different, though it's not necessarily true that the Buckeyes will be able to take advantage of the relative downgrade in that Terrelle Pryor is not at Ohio State any longer, and even if he were would be ineligible for Saturday's game. The Canes have much to replace at corner and if the Maryland game is any indication, there is a lot of work which will need to be done for the unit to become what Hurricane's fans have come to expect. The situation at safety will improve remarkably when Armstrong is once again available, but it may be asking too much of Telemaque in the short term. Still, Telemaque will likely find himself playing on Sundays soon enough so the talent is certainly there. As mentioned before, the Buckeyes; problems with injury last season and the suspension of Travis Howard in particular, who is cleared to play this weekend, have afforded several Buckeye DBs opportunities in meaningful minutes. It will also be a chance for C.J. Barnett to complete what he started in 2010 when he was having a breakout game against the Canes before suffering his season ending injury. The Buckeyes have more depth and get the edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
In light of the suspensions of several key contributors off the Miami stop forces, this preview may sound a tad harsh and unexpected. Likewise, it may be a bit of scarlet colored glasses where the Buckeyes are concerned since the Bucks have played two MAC teams, one of which was horrid, while the Canes took their lumps from a relatively superior opponent but were more outmanned than they will be this weekend. In short, there may be much to learn about both groups this weekend. Neither team is lacking in talent, but the Buckeyes seem to enjoy more "knowns" whereas the Canes have several question marks. While Ohio State has been what they always are thus far, the inescapable fact is there's not a lot to be learned in shutting down Akron and it can't be forgotten than Toledo was able to generate big plays and consistency on offense. It may be that the Bucks were simply uninspired last weekend. Nonetheless, if they play like that against the Canes, even with Harris throwing the ball around the yard, it could end up being an ugly day. The Canes, likewise, are better off that Pryor won't be in the stadium this Saturday as well as not having to worry about Boom Herron or DeVier Posey. In short, the Canes' weaknesses might easily be offset by the current state of affairs at QB for Ohio State. In the end, this game may be more about the players who won't be on the field than those who are. Not that that'll matter in the box score, but this contest falls short of the rematch everyone anticipated after last year's game.
Overall Defensive Rating: B-
The Buckeyes face their most significant challenge of the non-conference schedule as they travel to South Florida to take on the Miami Hurricanes. The Buckeye Special Teams now have played in 2 games to the Hurricanes 1. Although that is still a small sample size, we can start seeing patterns develop that will allow us to more thoroughly examine the special team's play of these two schools. Miami had its opener on Labor Day at the University of Maryland.
2011 Statistics (NCAA)
MIAMI
Punting:
2 for 77 yds, 38.5 avg (do not meet minimum punts to rank)
Punt Returns:
0 for 0 (Miami did not return a punt last week vs. Maryland)
Kickoff Returns:
Lamar Miller 4 for 100 yds, 25 avg (37th Nationally)
Phillip Dorsett 2 for 43 yds, 21.5 avg (75th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
1 return for 2 yds, 2.0 avg (24th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
5 returns for 78 yds, 15.6 avg (10th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan 9 punts for 360 yds, 40.0 avg (41st Nationally)
Punt Returns:
Chris Fields 4 returns for 84 yds, 21.0 avg, 1 TD (3rd Nationally)
Corey Brown 2 for 28 yds, 14.0 avg (does not meet minimum requirements for rank)
Punt Return Defense:
4 returns for 50 yds, 12.50 avg (86th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
9 returns for 164 yds, 18.22 avg, 3 Touchbacks (31st Nationally)
Special Teams
MIAMI (HurricaneSports)
Placekicker/Kickoffs:
#40 Jake Wieclaw (6-2, 220, Jr., Lincoln Way Central HS, New Lenox, IL)
Punter:
#13 Dalton Botts (6-3, 198, So., Taft HS, Taft, CA)
Punt Returns:
#3 Travis Benjamin (5-10, 176, Jr., Glades Central HS, Belle Glades, FL)
#80 Phillip Dorsett (5-9, 170, Fr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft Lauderdale, FL)
Kickoff Returns:
#3 Travis Benjamin (5-10, 176, Jr., Glades Central HS, Belle Glades, FL)
#6 Lamar Miller (5-11, 212, So., Killian HS, Miami, FL)
Long Snapper:
#60 Chris Ivory (6-2 220 Jr., Belleview HS, Belleview, FL)
Holder:
#16 Spencer Whipple (6-2, 205, Sr., Pine Richland HS, Gibsonia, PA)
The Hurricanes replaced almost everyone except dangerous return man Travis Benjamin. Lamar Miller had a busy day last week against the Terrapins, returning 4 kicks for an even 100 yards. Miami did not return a punt and only allowed 1 return for 2 yards. The Hurricane's kicker Jake Wieclaw was 3 for 3 on PATs and made his only FG attempt from 30 yards.
Ohio State (Rivals)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Punt Returners:
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HO, Pinecrest, FL)
#16 Evan Spencer (6-1, 190, Fr., Vernon Hills HS, Vernon Hills, IL)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
The Buckeyes' Special Teams had a so-so day last week against Toledo (as did the whole team). Buchanan did a good job, pinning the Rockets back inside their 20 on 3 separate occasions, but he did have one punt blocked. That may be more on his offensive line than anything. His average of 27.4 yards net per punt will need to improve. The Buckeyes' return defenses had some trouble - Toledo averaged 18 yards per punt return - but overall they did fairly well. Basil was 3-3 on PATs, but missed his only FG attempt from 47 yards.
Overall Special Teams Analysis
Much like last year, the Buckeyes can not afford to sleep-walk through the game on Special Teams. Last year's Special Teams fiasco where the Hurricanes scored 2 TDs on the Buckeyes cannot be repeated. And I don't expect it will be. Look for the Buckeye Special Teams to have a good day and get back in the good graces of the tough-to-please Ohio State fan (and more importantly, the coaches).
Edge: Ohio State
Predictions2011 Statistics (NCAA)
MIAMI
Punting:
2 for 77 yds, 38.5 avg (do not meet minimum punts to rank)
Punt Returns:
0 for 0 (Miami did not return a punt last week vs. Maryland)
Kickoff Returns:
Lamar Miller 4 for 100 yds, 25 avg (37th Nationally)
Phillip Dorsett 2 for 43 yds, 21.5 avg (75th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
1 return for 2 yds, 2.0 avg (24th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
5 returns for 78 yds, 15.6 avg (10th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan 9 punts for 360 yds, 40.0 avg (41st Nationally)
Punt Returns:
Chris Fields 4 returns for 84 yds, 21.0 avg, 1 TD (3rd Nationally)
Corey Brown 2 for 28 yds, 14.0 avg (does not meet minimum requirements for rank)
Punt Return Defense:
4 returns for 50 yds, 12.50 avg (86th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
9 returns for 164 yds, 18.22 avg, 3 Touchbacks (31st Nationally)
Special Teams
MIAMI (HurricaneSports)
Placekicker/Kickoffs:
#40 Jake Wieclaw (6-2, 220, Jr., Lincoln Way Central HS, New Lenox, IL)
Punter:
#13 Dalton Botts (6-3, 198, So., Taft HS, Taft, CA)
Punt Returns:
#3 Travis Benjamin (5-10, 176, Jr., Glades Central HS, Belle Glades, FL)
#80 Phillip Dorsett (5-9, 170, Fr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft Lauderdale, FL)
Kickoff Returns:
#3 Travis Benjamin (5-10, 176, Jr., Glades Central HS, Belle Glades, FL)
#6 Lamar Miller (5-11, 212, So., Killian HS, Miami, FL)
Long Snapper:
#60 Chris Ivory (6-2 220 Jr., Belleview HS, Belleview, FL)
Holder:
#16 Spencer Whipple (6-2, 205, Sr., Pine Richland HS, Gibsonia, PA)
The Hurricanes replaced almost everyone except dangerous return man Travis Benjamin. Lamar Miller had a busy day last week against the Terrapins, returning 4 kicks for an even 100 yards. Miami did not return a punt and only allowed 1 return for 2 yards. The Hurricane's kicker Jake Wieclaw was 3 for 3 on PATs and made his only FG attempt from 30 yards.
Ohio State (Rivals)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Punt Returners:
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HO, Pinecrest, FL)
#16 Evan Spencer (6-1, 190, Fr., Vernon Hills HS, Vernon Hills, IL)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
The Buckeyes' Special Teams had a so-so day last week against Toledo (as did the whole team). Buchanan did a good job, pinning the Rockets back inside their 20 on 3 separate occasions, but he did have one punt blocked. That may be more on his offensive line than anything. His average of 27.4 yards net per punt will need to improve. The Buckeyes' return defenses had some trouble - Toledo averaged 18 yards per punt return - but overall they did fairly well. Basil was 3-3 on PATs, but missed his only FG attempt from 47 yards.
Overall Special Teams Analysis
Much like last year, the Buckeyes can not afford to sleep-walk through the game on Special Teams. Last year's Special Teams fiasco where the Hurricanes scored 2 TDs on the Buckeyes cannot be repeated. And I don't expect it will be. Look for the Buckeye Special Teams to have a good day and get back in the good graces of the tough-to-please Ohio State fan (and more importantly, the coaches).
Edge: Ohio State
BB73's prediction: 27-23, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-17, Miami
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 27-16, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 27-21, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 27-24, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 27, Toledo 22)
(19) jwinslow's prediction: 35-17, Ohio State (13 + 6 last week = 19)
(23) BB73's prediction: 37-16, Ohio State (16 + 7 last week = 23)
(27) Bucklion's prediction: 35-24 Ohio State (10 + 17 last week = 27)
(34) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 42-13, Ohio State (24 + 10 last week = 34)
(40) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 35-0, Ohio State (30 + 10 last week = 40
(46) JCOSU86's prediction: 48-10, Ohio State (33 + 13 last week= 46)
(50) Bucky Katt's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (33 + 17 last week = 50)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-17, Miami
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 27-16, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 27-21, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 27-24, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 27, Toledo 22)
(19) jwinslow's prediction: 35-17, Ohio State (13 + 6 last week = 19)
(23) BB73's prediction: 37-16, Ohio State (16 + 7 last week = 23)
(27) Bucklion's prediction: 35-24 Ohio State (10 + 17 last week = 27)
(34) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 42-13, Ohio State (24 + 10 last week = 34)
(40) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 35-0, Ohio State (30 + 10 last week = 40
(46) JCOSU86's prediction: 48-10, Ohio State (33 + 13 last week= 46)
(50) Bucky Katt's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (33 + 17 last week = 50)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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