Brad kaaya and Miami Hurricanes face Huskers’ defense
The Miami Hurricanes come into their showdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a (2-0) record. Currently, the Hurricanes are averaging 44.5 points per game, behind the scintillating play of Brad Kaaya. So far, Miami has displayed a multifaceted offensive attack, but they should be facing their best defensive opponent on Saturday. Last season, the Huskers defeated Miami 41-31 at home, so the Hurricanes will be in search of payback.
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Brad kaaya leads the Hurricanes’ passing game, completing 62.7 percent of his passes. On the season, Kaaya has three touchdown passes and zero interceptions, while gaining 460 yards in two games. He may get more chances against the Huskers’ defense, especially if the “Blackshirts” shut down the run. Kaaya is way more comfortable in the pocket, and hasn’t shown a propensity to scramble. Due to a sacks, Kaaya has -11 yards rushing on two attempts. Therefore, the Huskers’ defense won’t have to be overly concerned with Kaaya’s ability to scorch an undisciplined pass rush.
In the first two games, Miami hasn’t had to deal with a lot pressure. However, the Cornhuskers’ front four can alter the Hurricanes’ game plan with a consistent pass rush. As expected, the inside duo of Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine must win up front. Right now, Valentine is questionable with an undisclosed injury, but the Huskers need him to be effective. In addition to the interior line, defensive ends Greg McMullen and Freedom Akinmoladun have to make plays on the outside. The Huskers have five total sacks in the first two games.
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For the first time this season, Nebraska’s defense has to deal with a traditional running game. Led by the dynamic Joseph Yearby, the Hurricanes average 210 rushing yards per game. Yearby leads the way with 7.8 yards per carry. However, he’s not a one trick pony. Yearby also has five catches for a 21 yards average. In total, he has three touchdowns. Still, he’s not alone in the Hurricanes’ backfield.
Freshman running back Mark Walton is averaging 5.3 yards on 24 carries this season. He leads the Hurricanes with four touchdowns, while Trayone Gray added one rushing touchdown this season. The Hurricanes will have plenty of options in the running game, so Nebraska shouldn’t expect Miami to abandon the ground attack like South Alabama did.
The Huskers are only giving up 75 yards per game on the ground. If it wasn’t for Taysom Hill’s ability to gash the defense, Nebraska would have had an even better showing in the first two games. More importantly, the Huskers’ defense is holding opponents to three yards per carry. With Michael Rose-Ivey back in the fold, the Huskers will finally have their full complement of linebackers this season.
Nate Gerry with second INT of season
Safety Nate Gerry has to play a great game for the Huskers. As the only player to get an interception, Gerry must continue to be a ball-hawk for the “Blackshirts.” Due to Miami’s style, he will have to mix it up in the run game, but he also has to be in position to control Miami’s passing game.
Similar to Nebraska’s aerial attack, Miami has 11 players that have caught passes already. Rashawn Scott leads the way with nine receptions. The Hurricanes have been great in the short-intermediate passing game, but they’ve seen the film on Nebraska’s cornerback play. Therefore, look for Kaaya to test Daniel Davie with some nine routes. If he does, can the Nebraska Cornhuskers defeat Brad Kaaya for the second time?