Georgia Tech vs. Miami Prediction
Can Miami avoid the upset this Saturday against Georgia Tech when the ACC rivals clash at 3:30PM ET?
THE ODDS: According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Hurricanes are 5.5-point home favorites versus the Yellow Jackets, who opened as 6-point underdogs. The total, meanwhile, sits at 52.5 points after hitting the board at the same number.
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GEORGIA TECH: Miami boasts some of the best talent that Georgia Tech will see all season, especially at the skill positions. Yellow Jackets senior cornerback Step Durham discussed what it’ll take to keep pace with the Hurricanes’ dangerous skill players.
“We just watch film and picture ourselves in the game. That’s the biggest thing, playing what the coaches call, just having a knack for the ball, and watching film. That gives you the biggest edge over your opponent.”
MIAMI: The focus for the unbeaten Hurricanes this week has been on defending Georgia Tech’s triple-option attack. The Yellow Jackets are second in the nation in rushing offense with 396 yards on the ground per game and Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz knows his defense has its work cut out for it this Saturday.
“It comes back to what every game does – explosive plays, which is really their greatest threat,’’ Diaz said. “Everyone thinks about the run game. They’ve only thrown it [34] times in four games, but when they do, they get yards. They’ve got guys down the field that can go get it. The quarterback throws it down the field better than you wish he did.
“Tackling is super important. Our secondary was outstanding tackling in that game a year ago, and will have to be again. There’s very little margin for error.’’
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WHO COVERS: When you see this line, the first reaction might be to jump on Miami and lay less than a touchdown on an unbeaten team. That said, Hurricane Irma forced the Hurricanes to adjust their schedule and now, instead of receiving a bye week to prepare for Georgia Tech’s offense, the Hurricanes only had three full days of live practice to get ready for what they’ll see on Saturday night.
Granted, Miami has one of the best front sevens in the nation and the Hurricanes certainly have the athletes to slow the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option.
That said, the Hurricanes are also extremely banged up. Running back Mark Walton is out for the season after suffering an ankle injury in the win over Florida State. Robert Burns is questionable, as are receivers Evidence Njoku (knee) and Ahmmon Richards (hamstring), as well as offensive lineman Navaughn Donaldson. Miami might win, but the Canes will have to earn it.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS: GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS +5.5