Husker Football: Questioning the Eye of the Hurricanes
It’s not often that Nebraska sees a hurricane come within its borders, but the Husker football team will invite several as the heated series between the Big Red and Miami continues this Saturday.
In our continuing attempts to further learn about our weekly opponents, we reached out to FanSided’s own CanesWarning to answer a few questions about what we can expect to see in Memorial Stadium. Sam Jacobs was kind enough to lend some thoughts.
Husker Corner: Give us your opinion of Al Golden as of now.
Sam Jacobs: Personally, I look at the recruiting cycles each season Golden has coached Miami and I see great success. Typically, that transitions into success on the field, but that has yet to occur (for the most part). Before calling for his job, it’s only fair to let the next few seasons play out.
He isn’t believed to be coaching for his job this year, but I feel patience is running out within the fan base.
HC: Tell us about the quarterback situation. Is Brad Kaaya the guy to lead Miami? What are his strengths and weaknesses?
SJ: The once highly-touted recruit Kevin Olsen has been dismissed; senior Ryan Williams, the favorite to start in spring, is recovering from an ACL injury; and journeyman Jake Heaps was beat out by true freshmen Brad Kaaya.
Kaaya is believed to be the quarterback of the future and has shown flashes of great potential, but the sample size is too small to gauge just how good he can be.
His 6’4″ stature helps him greatly, he generally makes good decisions when passing and he’s an accurate passer. Kaaya lacks much mobility and it appears his arm strength is average at best.
He played really well against Arkansas State and I think most people are eager to see how he performs against a Top 25 team on the road.
HC: How has Duke Johnson fit into the gameplans this year? Do you expect to see him get plenty of carries against Nebraska?
SJ: Duke Johnson is the best player on the team and the the offense is going to revolve around him. He’s a versatile back used in both the run game and pass attack. I would expect 20-25 carries against Nebraska, in addition to a handful of catches.
HC: What’s the offense’s biggest strength and weakness?
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SJ: The quick, explosive plays are Miami’s strength on offense, especially due to its team speed. However, I expect Miami to be a run first offense at Nebraska in order to try and limit mistakes by Brad Kaaya.
The fan base has been itching for more shots down the field, but I think the coaches will play more on the conservative side. Regardless, this team is more than capable of big plays (see: Phillip Dorsett vs. Arkansas State).
Third down efficiency and the lack to sustain many drives are the weakness of this talented Canes offense.
HC: Nebraska’s offensive line has struggled to get a push up front over the past two games. Miami’s ranked highly when it comes to stopping the run. Do you feel the ‘Canes can bottle up Ameer Abdullah?
SJ: The Canes have improved over last season’s poor front seven that was torn apart in the rush game. Regarding the containment of Abdullah, I’m not confident in their ability to do that. They struggled against Louisville late in the game because they were exhausted (the offense didn’t help them out).
Since they still lack depth at the linebacker position, Abdullah may have the opportunity to put the game to rest if the Canes fall behind early.
HC: Tim Beck’s implemented quite a few plays that use the long ball. How do you feel about the Miami secondary’s chances against a vertical threat?
SJ: Defensive back is a position group of strength for Miami. They have five legitimate corners: Ladarius Gunter, Artie Burns, Tracy Howard, Antonio Crawford and Corn Elder.
The safety position is also loaded with talent and depth. I think the Canes are confident in their secondary’s ability to prevent big plays.
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HC: What do you feel is Nebraska’s best asset versus Miami and vice versa?
SJ: The 90,000-plus Nebraska fans in the stands certainly benefit the Huskers. Having an elite running back also plays in their favor against a Miami defense still trying to prove itself.
After seeing the potential explosiveness of Miami’s offense last week, I think that bodes well for the Canes. The Brad Kaaya to Phillip Dorsett connection is one to watch for.
HC: What’s your prediction for the game?
SJ: I think there’ll be points put on the board, but it won’t be a shootout. I have Nebraska winning the game 34-24. I think the Huskers seemingly control the game, but big plays by Miami’s offense keeps them in the game until the end.
We’d like to thank Sam and all of the good folks over at CanesWarning. Stop on by after the game to get a look from the opponent’s sideline.
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