GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Perimeter defenders will have a crucial role in trying to slow a ground-oriented Georgia Tech option offense. DEs Joe Jackson and Jonathan Garvin and LBs Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney look to carry the bulk of the responsibility on the perimeter, but CBs Michael Jackson Sr. and Trajan Bandy will have to lend a hand in run support while not giving up their pass defense duties. Tech QBs Tobias Oliver (1 start) and TaQuon Marshall (8) have rushed for 780 and 659 yards, respectively, and the Yellow Jackets have attempted only 12 passes, completing 8, in the combined four wins over their last five games. It wouldn’t be a surprise if LB Shaq Quarterman, who plays in the middle, had the role of a “spy” against the Tech QBs.
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Gerald Willis III has been advised to pass up a bowl appearance — assuming the Hurricanes eventually get eligible with a sixth win, but the senior who sat out last year for personal reasons says he is going to ignore that advice, according to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I’m playing for my brothers,” he is quoted. “I’m going to chase every opportunity I have in a Miami uniform.” Willis is an excellent pass rusher — a skill not in high demand this week with the Hurricanes playing at Georgia Tech — and has 16 tackles for loss among his 45 stops. The 16 TFLs are a team high, and the 45 tackles lead all defensive linemen.
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Lawrence Cager already has doubled his touchdown production over last year with six TD receptions. He had three touchdown catches as a sophomore in 2017.
–RB Travis Homer posted his second 100-yard rushing game of the season with 113 yards on 18 carries against Duke. He had a long run of 43 yards against the Blue Devils.
–P Jeff Feagles had boots of 39 and34 yards before giving way to P Jack Spicer in the loss to Duke. Spicer didn’t add much, averaging just 36.8 yards on six attempts. As a team, Miami ranks last in the ACC with a net punting average of 32.6 yards per attempt.
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