There’s only so much you can learn about a team in a blowout win, and that will likely be the case on Saturday for the Miami Hurricanes, who ESPN Analytics gives a 99% chance of coming out on top against Central Michigan.
Still, there will be several interesting storylines to follow during the game. Here’s what I’ll be watching out for:
1. Interior offensive line play
Miami’s offense has been one of the nation’s best this season, ranking first in total yards per game (594.3) and third in points per game (51.7). Quarterback Darian Mensah has more touchdown passes than incompletions, and wide receiver Malachi Toney has looked unguardable.
We all pretty much expected this explosiveness from the Hurricanes during the offseason. It’s not a secret that when you combine one of the top QBs and one of the top WRs on the same offense, good things tend to happen.
The consensus question about Miami’s offense was the offensive line, which lost a ton of production from last season’s group.
Through three games, the offensive line has had its ups and downs. Offensive tackles Samson Okunlola and Matthew McCoy look promising, but the play of the interior offensive line – featuring guards Seuseu "SJ" Alofaituli and Max Buchanan and to a lesser extent Ryan Rodriguez – has been much more inconsistent.
In the second half of Miami’s 33-20 win over Wake Forest last Friday, the interior offensive line struggled mightily, attaining little push in the run game and allowing Mensah to get pressured on several of his dropbacks.
Could we see a different offensive line combination against Central Michigan? I won’t rule this out, as Miami needs to get this unit sorted out ahead of a road showdown at Clemson next weekend.
2. Can Miami play an injury-free game?
Football – obviously – is a very physical sport. Injuries happen.
Even with this in mind, the number of significant injuries that the Hurricanes have had to deal with through their first three games of the season is staggering.
Wide receiver Joshua Moore and running back Marty Brown are both out for the season. Starting cornerbacks OJ Frederique and Xavier Lucas have been out of the lineup since getting hurt in the season opener against Stanford. There are just a few of the many more injuries that have hampered the Hurricanes so far
More than anything else, expect a win of course, Miami needs to just stay healthy against Central Michigan.
3. The development of Luke Nickel
UM’s (potential) quarterback of the future was dominant in his last outing against Florida A&M, completing all eight of his passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns.
If Miami can jump out to a sizable lead once again on Saturday, expect Nickel to relieve Mensah under center. These in-game reps are pivotal for Nickel, who could potentially start at quarterback next season should the coaching staff feel that he is ready.
