’Canes looking to limit long drives

CORAL GABLES — Throughout camp, the Hurricanes practiced in some of the most brutal conditions.

Heat, humidity and rain all impacted their workouts and, coach Mark Richt hopes, helped condition his football team for some of the physical challenges it could face this season — including playing against a team like Arkansas State that can move at a pretty high tempo.

During their 43-36 loss to Nebraska on Saturday, the Red Wolves ran 89 offensive plays — 19 more than the Cornhuskers. By contrast, No. 18 Miami ran 65 plays in its 41-13 win over Bethune-Cookman.

But conditioning won’t be the only factor in helping Miami deal with Arkansas State’s pace. Limiting long drives will be a focus for Miami’s defense, which against the Wildcats allowed four drives of 10 plays or more.

“When the other team keeps converting third downs and keeps moving the chains, then those drives get long. If they go quickly and don’t sub, then we can’t sub. We’ve got to be smart about keeping an eye on them when they change personnel and [when] we’re allowed to sub to keep people fresh,” Richt said.

Richt also wants UM to improve its kickoff-return coverage. Against the Wildcats, the Hurricanes allowed an average of 25 yards per return and on one of those plays, K

was the one tackling KR

Michael Badgley Mitchell.

Next game: Keavon

No. 18 Miami at Arkansas State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPNU