’Canes hope conditioning is no issue O-line experiencing stability

CORAL GABLES — Since Hurricane Irma impacted Miami’s schedule last month, a big concern for the 13th-ranked Hurricanes has been conditioning.

In their Sept. 23 game against Toledo — their first after a 21-day layoff — the Hurricanes sometimes struggled on that front, prompting coaches to say they were looking forward to some cooler temperatures for last weekend’s game at Duke as Miami continued trying to get back into its normal routine.

And as Mark Richt and his staff expected, the Hurricanes were efficient and effective in their 31-6 win over the Blue Devils. But now that Miami is preparing for a midafternoon showdown against Florida State in Tallahassee, do the Hurricanes feel they’re in better game shape?

One thing’s for certain — they haven’t been able to practice much in conditions similar to the ones they could face in Tallahassee on Saturday.

With stormy weather in South Florida through the early part of the week, the Hurricanes practiced both Tuesday and Wednesday at the Dolphins facility in Davie. That allowed them to get their work in both days, but those practices were in dry and air-conditioned comfort — not the muggy, rainy conditions that could be a factor on Saturday.

“We will find out Saturday,” Hurricanes defensive coordinator Manny Diaz responded Wednesday when asked about his team’s conditioning. “We know we’ll be put in some difficult situations on Saturday, but I think our guys have shown a little bit of a backbone to be able to handle what’s been in front of them.”

Next game: No. 13 Miami at FSU, Saturday, 3:30, ESPN

Christy Cabrera Chirinos

BOCA RATON — By this time last year, the Atlantic offensive line was anything but stable.

There had been five different starting lineups in five games because of injuries. A year later, there is more stability, and the Owls’ running game is benefiting.

“They’re better than they’ve ever played,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said. “I think the unit has come together well, I think they’re at the right spots, and I think they’ve stayed healthy, fortunately.”

The Owls lead Conference USA in rushing with 1,099 yards and 13 touchdowns. They also rank third in yards per carry at 5.4. Running backs Devin “Motor” Singletary and Gregory Howell Jr. have both put up solid games this season. Singletary is coming off a four-touchdown performance against Middle Tennessee State, and Howell ran for a career-high 175 yards three weeks ago versus Bethune-Cookman.

“Health is a big factor this year,” center Antonyo Woods said. “We’ve had the same starting five through all five games and obviously, there’s a difference. Communication is better, and understanding who we are as a person and as a player helps us a lot on the offensive line because at the end of the day, it’s just us five.”

Woods is joined in the lineup by guards Roman Fernandez and Jakobi Smith and tackles Reggie Bain and Brandon Walton. While health is the biggest reason for the improvement, the players have also given credit to line coach Garin Justice.

“We’re just getting better,” Woods said. “Garin Justice has been getting us right with the game plan, make sure we understand the basics before [you go into] the complicated stuff.”

Next game: FAU WTCN, ESPN3

Shandel Richardson at Old Dominion, Saturday, Florida p.m.,