PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB DeeJay Dallas has come off the bench several times to lend a spark to Miami’s running game. He rushed for a career-high 114 yards in the 47-10 win over North Carolina to give him 338 yards for the season, second to starter Trevor Homer’s 364. It was his second triple-digit rushing game in his last three appearances.
–WR Jeff Thomas, coming off a game in which he played sparingly after coming down with dehydration issues against Florida International, had a quiet night against North Carolina. He had only one catch that was good for a 5-yard gain and ran a kickoff back 16 yards. He is Miami’s No. 2 receiver now with 13 catches to Mike Harley’s 15, but his 320 yards lead the team in the receiving yardage.
–DE Joe Jackson shares the team lead in sacks with three and also has an interception return for a touchdown. He has 16 tackles overall and has forced two fumbles. Jackson led all defensive linemen in tackles last year with 59 stops.
–LB Shaq Quarterman leads the Hurricanes in overall tackles with 27 and has matched Jackson in sacks with three. His strip sack of North Carolina QB Nathan Elliott led to a Miami touchdown and early 14-3 lead over the Tar Heels.
SERIES HISTORY: Miami leads the series with Florida State 32-30. The Hurricanes won the last meeting, 24-20 in 2017.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We all know what a big game it is. We all know what’s at stake. We’re excited about playing it, and I’m sure they are too.” — Coach Mark Richt, on Saturday’s game against Florida State.
