Before every football game this year, The Blue Zone will sit down with a football writer from the opposing school’s student newspaper to get the scoop on their team and season.
This week, The Chronicle’s Nick Martin spoke to the The Miami Hurricane's Sports Editor Courtney Fiorini about this weekend’s primetime matchup between Duke and Miami.
The Chronicle: So the biggest storyline heading into this game is the fact that this year you guys have Duke Johnson. Last year he was injured and Duke outrushed Miami. How big that is for Miami to have Johnson back in the lineup this year?
Miami Hurricane: Having Duke Johnson back is huge. He hasn't really been able to show how much power he really has yet. Part of that is an offensive line that is struggling to protect true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya. They're hoping that he can kind of hit his stride in this game.
It's huge to have him back. Really when we lost him last season, it was really a bummer and it was the downturn for a team that was doing very well.
TC: Last year, Miami came up to Durham and Duke went on to win by 18 points and the students rushed the feel. When you were talking to the players throughout the week, did you ever get the feel that they will be looking for revenge? It seemed like they were a little shell-shocked after last year's game, so what's the attitude heading into the ACC Coastal opener?
MH: After the beginning of this season, losing to Louisville and winning two easy games and then losing to ranked Nebraska, they've all been like, 'We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We've got to go out there and win. This is no longer about trying to be a little bit better. We have to go out there, work hard and win.' It's been a struggle.
[Last season] hurt their confidence and sadly, I feel like that's still kind of carrying over this year too. Being 2-2 and going up against Duke, it's been a little bit rough with the players' confidence. But Brad Kaaya's been working really hard coming into a role he probably didn't ever dream he would have his freshman year.
TC: How much of this game hinges on the play of Brad Kaaya?
MH: It's hard to say, because he's been having a few really good games, but part of it getting protection for your quarterback to throw the ball. If your quarterback doesn't have time to throw then there's nothing he can do about it if he's constantly getting hit and being forced into throwing interceptions. It really doesn't hinge on Brad Kaaya. The whole offense needs to step up.
Is it all on Brad Kaaya? No. I think the entire team needs to step up. But he's really showing signs of development and stepping into this big role and pushing this team as a true freshman. And he's the best true freshman that the University of Miami has so far.
TC: On the other side of the ball, I think everyone knows the name of Denzel Perryman. He's so dominant for them on defense, what can you tell us about Perryman and any supporting cast members Duke should be on the lookout for Saturday?
MH: I think Denzel Perryman, wearing No. 52, which Ray Lewis has worn before him, is always an intimidating presence.... He's one of those people who can really put pressure on quarterbacks, put pressure on tight ends and running backs. Thurston Ambrister is another one who really has not only an amazingly awesome name, but really knows how to go after the ball. He can read plays really well. Ambrister and Perryman both read plays and see it as it's happening.
The concern for the 'Cane defense was the secondary, but the key here is blitzing and putting pressure on the quarterback and forcing enough quarterbacks to make mistakes. That's one of the things I think Duke needs to look out for. They're going to come after the quarterback.
TC: Duke's had a pretty easy nonconference slate while Miami played Louisville and Nebraska. The Hurricanes are at 2-2 and Duke's at 4-0. In terms of looking down the road when it comes to making a bowl game, making the playoff and winning the ACC Coastal Division, how important is this game for a Miami team that has a Florida State game looming?
MH: I think this is actually a pretty big game. I think you're looking at the two big contenders in this conference. I mean Virginia Tech, they just got beat by East Carolina, who's now ranked, which is really interesting. I think you're looking at the two big players in the Coastal. Even though the 'Canes are struggling, I see no reason why they can't build so momentum. If they did win against Duke, it would be a huge confidence booster for the team going forward. At the same time for Duke, if they win this game, they're 5-0 and at I think they're pretty much unstoppable at that point.
TC: What do you have as a final score prediction?
MH: I think it'll probably be a close game. I'll say Duke 21, 'Canes 28.
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