Orange provide tough test
Unbeaten Miami should not take Syracuse lightly.
CORAL GABLES — Finding it hard to appreciate Syracuse’s giant-killing ways?
To an audience of Hurricanes fans, talk of the Orange’s upset of No. 2 Clemson last week will go over like a lead balloon painted orange.
Mention “Syracuse” in South Florida and it stirs memories of the Big East and beat-downs in the Orange Bowl, when the Hurricanes were between dynasty years but still had their way in that mini-rivalry. UM was 11-2 in those games from 1990 to 2003.
Both programs are refreshed and climbing up the ACC ranks. It’s hard to root against Syracuse coach Dino Babers, an energetic and likable man who runs a fast-paced attack.
But Mark Richt, 14-4 since taking over at his alma mater, is a fine story, too.
His team’s roster has flaws, lacking experience and depth in the secondary and at running back, and several injured players who would be contributors. But after a pair of last-minute wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes (5-0, 3-0 ACC) are the eighth-ranked team in the country, and the only ACC team that has yet to lose. They’ve won their past 10 games, the second-longest streak in FBS.
Here are the matchups, and a prediction for today’s game:
When Miami passes
Malik Rosier has proven his ability to adjust, settle down and make winning plays at the end of games — but he’d make it easier on Hurricanes fans if he figured things out earlier. In the first halves of his last two games, he is 13 for 32 for 125 yards and a touchdown. Take out the scoring drive in the final two minutes of the first half against Georgia Tech — a pressure situation, Rosier’s specialty — and those numbers look a lot worse: 7 for 25 for 49 yards.
That kind of start against Syracuse could be disastrous, given how prolific the Orange attack has been. Rosier will find holes — Syracuse plays man-to-man and, especially if Ahmmon Richards (Wellington High) is healthy, may not be able to match UM’s receiving skill — but this is a better defense than the one that allowed 8.9 yards per attempt last year (125th nationally, worst in the ACC). The best quarterback Syracuse faced this year, North Carolina State’s Ryan Finley, had his worst performance of the season in a 33-25 win. The Wolfpack beat Syracuse on the ground. Miami may have to do the same, but should have enough to win through the air. Edge: Miami
When Miami runs
Travis Homer (Oxbridge Academy) went for 170 yards and a touchdown (adding another score via reception) in his first career start last week. As long as he stays healthy, UM will be OK. The line may be improved with the probable return of true freshman right guard Navaughn Donaldson.
Defensively, Syracuse has been excellent at getting teams off the field on third down; it ranks third in opponent success rate (23.91) and has allowed just 8 of 36 conversions in ACC play. Miami’s offense is 97th on third down (34.48), and was a season-low 2 of 12 last week against Georgia Tech.
Against weaker competition, Syracuse looked great against the run, but N.C. State ran for 256 yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries. If Syracuse’s run defense travels — and it didn’t when they went to Raleigh last month — they’ll be in the game. Edge: Miami
When Syracuse passes
The Canes’ season high for sacks in a game is six, set last month at Duke. They also had 11 tackles for loss. They’ll get every chance to duplicate those numbers against another hightempo, throw-first attack. Eric Dungey is a veteran version of Duke’s Daniel Jones, whom Miami shut down. But he’s better and has better receivers. Steve Ishmael, a Miami native, has a nationbest 62 receptions, and fellow senior Ervin Phillips is third (56).
The Hurricanes must win up front, because it’s doubtful their young and battered secondary can shut down Syracuse’s passing attack. Edge: Syracuse
When Syracuse runs
Dungey is most of Syracuse’s run game, which has given local fans pause (he seemingly gets knocked around every game). He owns the team’s longest play from scrimmage this year, a 74-yard rush against Central Michigan. If Cuse gets going on the ground, it’s nearly impossible to stop them through the air.
Miami’s third-down defense has been below average (80th nationally, 40.23 percent) but that’s mostly because of its first two games. UM is 14 of 47 (29.8) in ACC play, which is fifth in the conference.
The Orange aren’t efficient (3.58 yards per carry, 108th nationally) but in that win over Clemson they picked up nearly as many first downs on the ground (11) as they did through the air (12; five were penalties). Edge: Miami
Special teams
If the conditions turn soggy, Miami will not mind. Kicker Michael Badgley went 4 for 4 and booted the winning 24-yard field goal in the slop last week. Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy is 12 for 14, including a 48-yard miss at N.C. State. UM has allowed four kickoff returns of more than 30 yards, but Syracuse has surrendered one of 60-plus. Neither side has allowed a punt return of longer than 20. The Orange are slightly more explosive on kickoff returns, while Braxton Berrios has been productive returning punts. Edge: Miami, slightly
Coaching
Hard to dislike what Babers is doing, recruiting speedy athletes to play an exciting system. Halftime adjustments have been key for UM, and should be again today as the Hurricanes try to figure out another basketball-on-grass offense. Edge: Miami Prediction Miami 31, Syracuse 24