A tough draw for Miami and my collegiate quarterback Man-Crush this week. It was a tall order to have the season start off with 4 straight ranked opponents, but I am sure it was done with the idea that a 4-0 or 3-1 start would put them in great shape for the national championship race.
After leaving a huge, smelly, flaming turd on the field in Blacksburg last week the national championship talk has slowed a bit, but it will be sure to pick back up if they can hold down the fort in South Beach and win a huge game against perennial power OU.
Helping the 'Canes' cause would be Heisman trophy winning QB Sam Bradford is still uncertain whether he will play in this game. Also, OU is still trying to gell their offensive line, which bodes will the for speed Miami has up front on D.
Jacory Harris will no doubt be looking to redeem himself after his Rick Mirer-like performance from last week, so look for him to be ready to play. However, if the 'Canes had trouble dealing with Va-Tech's D-line last week they are in for some trouble this week. Oklahoma has an excellent D-line and are able to consistently put pressure on the quarterback with just their front four. DT Gerald McCoy is currently rated in the Top 5 on Mel Kiper, Jr.'s Big Board and will be a very productive pro (hopefully for the Chiefs?). McCoy coming from up the middle and the rest of the line feeding off this, along with the talented secondary OU has will make for a difficult game here.
However, I feel like things are shaping up for a big win for the 'Canes. I do not think Bradford will play and the 'Canes will be pumped to shut up all the naysayers after last week. It will be a tight battle but I believe Miami will come out on top in this battle of two extremely athletic talented teams.
Prediction: Miami 24 - 20 Oklahoma. Harris' line - 20-33, 60%, 241 yds, 2 td, 1 int, 2 rush -12 yds
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