No relaxing vs. Ga. Tech

With depleted lineup, Canes face another big challenge in ACC quest.

CORAL GABLES — You did it, Miami.

You finally beat Florida State. Nice job.

But wait. You’re also unbeaten, after clearing perhaps the biggest hurdle on your ACC schedule. And hold on now: the oddsmakers and data junkies say you’ll be favored in every remaining game.

Does that mean … you could go unbeaten in the regular season, for the first time in 15 seasons? Does it mean you could take the Coastal crown and then play Clemson?

Sure, that’s possible.

There’s a problem, though. Remember in the offseason,

all the analysis of Miami’s roster determined that the worst-case scenario would be a long-term issue with Mark Walton? Well, we’re here. Babying him didn’t help, because football is a brutal sport. He limped into the FSU game, was carted out, and Miami is now without arguably its best player.

It gets worse. Two starters in the secondary, Sheldrick Redwine and Dee Delaney, are out, as is a starting right guard, Navaughn Donaldson. Those are three players who typically play the entire game.

That’s why today’s game against Georgia Tech is one tough test. The Yellow Jackets (3-1, 2-0 ACC) offer a unique challenge and have a quarterback

(TaQuon Marshall) who has proven he can run that option-based offense. The defense isn’t bad, either. Miami (4-0, 2-0 ACC), which just beat the No. 3 preseason team on the road, is ranked 11th, but entered Georgia Tech week a 6½-point favorite at home.

Without Walton’s bigplay ability as a runner and receiver — and with top receiver Ahmmon Richards of Wellington High still hobbled — quarterback Malik Rosier can’t make many mistakes. The secondary needs to grow up, fast. Same goes for Donaldson’s replacement, Corey Gaynor.

THE MATCHUPS

When Miami passes: Last week, FSU defenders were flypaper to Miami’s receivers. Rosier had little time to throw. Until the final minutes

of the game, Miami’s offense didn’t have a lot going.

The Jackets force threeand-outs at a rate second in the country to Michigan, leaving opposing offenses to ponder mistakes from the sideline as the clock drains. The Hurricanes haven’t been great on third down — 39.13 percent success, 68th in the country — and if that’s the case today, it won’t be good.

Judging by key stat categories (rating, yards per attempt, touchdowns, interceptions, yards per game), Miami has a top-40 passing attack. Georgia Tech’s pass defense is top-15 in all those categories except interceptions. Miami has better talent — not sure who on Georgia Tech can cover Braxton Berrios one-on-one — and the Jackets are due for a slight regression. Edge: Miami.

When Miami runs: With

Walton healthy, the Hurricanes ranked sixth in the country in yards per carry (6.40). That sagged in the past two games (3.97 at Duke and 2.86 at FSU).

Now it’s up to Travis Homer, the sophomore from Oxbridge Academy who has done well in limited action (207 yards, three touchdowns on 25 carries). He gained a critical pair of first downs on UM’s winning drive at Tallahassee.

Rosier must be accounted for in the run game. Georgia Tech has allowed one rushing touchdown and a little more than 3 yards per carry in its past three games. We’ll find out if that’s because it played FCS and bottom-tier ACC competition, or it’s because Tech’s defense is actually pretty good. Edge: Miami.

When Georgia Tech passes: Turnovers will be

key for the Hurricanes. An interception or two would be outstanding. Those are hard to come by, unless the Jackets are trying to come from behind. Georgia Tech’s passing game isn’t prolific, but it doesn’t need to be. Edge: Georgia Tech.

When Georgia Tech runs: Getting Tech’s offense off the field is critical. The Jackets convert third downs more often than all but three teams nationally (53.3 percent). They pile up rushing yards (1,584 in four games) and do it efficiently, averaging 5.91 yards per carry (10th). UM allowed a few sizable gains two weeks ago at Duke and allowed a season-worst 4.72 yards per carry at FSU.

Marshall leads the ACC in rushing yards per game. Sophomore KirVonte Benson (5-9, 211) doesn’t have

Cam Akers’ speed, but UM’s issues in tackling FSU’s Akers last week are a worry with another good back (476 yards, four touchdowns on 84 carries) on deck. Freshman Jerry Howard (9.64 yards per carry, fifth nationally) can hit homers. Edge: Georgia Tech.

Special teams: Georgia Tech hasn’t been a threat at all in the return game, and Miami’s coverage is typically solid. The Jackets have missed two of five field goals, while Miami has missed one of five. Berrios is the most dangerous returner in this matchup. Edge: Miami.

Coaching: Paul Johnson is aggressive, and will go for it on fourth downs regularly. UM defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s adjustments will be key. Edge: Even.

Prediction: Miami 34, Georgia Tech 30