Last Saturday’s performance at Wallace Wade Stadium against the No. 22 ranked SMU Mustangs was an excruciating watch for Blue Devil fans. A win was in the winds, but unfortunately Duke's offense came up short. Coming off a heartbreaking loss, the Blue Devils will next face No. 5 Miami. The Hurricanes are in the top five of the AP Poll for the first time since 2017 — so this matchup will be nothing short of intense.
Miami has established itself as a formidable force, boasting an impressive 8-0 record. The Hurricanes currently lead FBS in points per game and yards per game, totalling impressive averages of 46.8 and 560.8, respectively. Not only does Miami have an impressive scoring record, Heisman Trophy candidate and quarterback Cam Ward completes an impressive 68% of passes for an average of 9.8 yards per pass.
With a blend of pinpoint accuracy and explosive mobility, Ward has shaped the Hurricanes' offense; his ability to extend plays and connect with receivers deep downfield makes the Miami quarterback the ultimate threat. Not only can Ward throw long balls, but he has also demonstrated exceptional touch on intermediate routes, threading the needle through tight windows and ensuring his receivers can make plays after the catch. His quick release and ability to make accurate throws on the run makes him a force that will keep the Blue Devil defense guessing.
Defense has been a cornerstone of the Blue Devils' success, as they have an impressive history of limiting explosive plays. To continue its dominance Saturday, the Duke secondary will need to stay on top of its game and limit offensive movement. Head coach Manny Diaz will also need his defensive line and pass rushers to be at their best; the Blue Devils must cause disruption in the Miami backfield.
The Hurricanes bring a strong defense of their own, headlined by a fierce pass rush that can pressure opponents into mistakes. Their front seven is aggressive and capable of disrupting plays in the backfield. So, Duke's offensive line must focus on both communication and technique to provide redshirt sophomore Maalik Murphy with the time needed to make plays downfield.
In a game Sept. 7, Miami defense demonstrated this aggressive defense during its matchup against the Florida A&M Rattlers — ultimately pulling away 56-9. From the opening drive, the Hurricanes' defensive unit was relentless, consistently pressuring Rattler quarterback Daniel Richardson into mistakes. They picked up multiple sacks and hurried throws, which resulted in several turnovers. Miami linebackers were quick to read plays, flying to the ball and shutting down any potential running lanes. As the game progressed, the defense not only stopped Florida A&M from scoring more than nine, but it totaled five total sacks, 10 tackles for loss and three interceptions. This performance set the tone for the rest of the season.
The matchup will depend heavily on offensive line play, as Miami has allowed 16 sacks while Duke has allowed nine. Both teams have strong turnover margins, with the Hurricanes at +4 and the Blue Devils at +12, suggesting that the team that protects the ball better will likely gain an advantage. Special teams could also play a crucial role. Miami is an impressive 12-for-13 on field goal attempts, while Duke falls short at 10-for-15.
While this matchup will be tough, the Blue Devils have been competitive thus far in every game. In both losses this season, Duke has either led or been tied in the fourth quarter. The Blue Devils will need to work hard to stand a chance and prove their worth against the Hurricanes.
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