PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Malik Rosier is coming off a huge game in the 49-24 victory at Toledo. The senior was only 13-of-23 passing for 205 yards and two touchdowns but also rushed for 80 yards and three scores to account for five of Miami’s seven touchdowns. He has scored five rushing touchdowns and passed for five more in the three games.
–WR Jeff Thomas has become “Mr. Excitement” for Miami. The sophomore speedster had five receptions for 105 yards at Toledo with plays of 41 and 38 yards, the latter for a touchdown. He has 11 receptions for 304 yards for the season with two touchdowns, has averaged nearly 25 yards on five kickoff returns, and has punt returns of 48 and 42 yards. Oh, yeah. He also gained 19 yards on a reverse.
–DT Gerald Willis was expected to have a key role for Miami’s defensive front, and he certainly has delivered. He leads the ACC and is fourth nationally in tackles for loss with seven, which accounts for half of his 14 tackles. He and DE Jonathan Garvin have combined for 13 tackles for loss in just three games.
–S Jaquan Johnson remains Miami’s leading tackler despite missing the second half of the win over Toledo and injuring his hamstring. He has 22 tackles and also blocked a field goal attempt that preserved the shutout in the win over Savannah State.
SERIES HISTORY: Miami leads the series with Florida International 2-0. The last meeting was a 23-9 win in 2007.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Just show me where we play and I’ll go play ’em.” — Coach Mark Richt, on playing teams from Group of 5 conferences like FIU (Sun Belt) and Toledo (MAC).
