The undefeated Hurricanes head across the country to face Cal for the first time since 2008 on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. EST. And while the turnover battle is always important, it may be the deciding factor on Saturday.
The Canes had a close call versus Virginia Tech last week, as three Cam Ward turnovers directly led to 14 points. It may have been worse if Elijah Arroyo didn’t make the hustle play of the year to stop a return touchdown.
Cal thrives on winning the turnover battle and capitalizing on mistakes. The defense comes in with 10 interceptions in only four games played. Their offense, led by Miami native Fernando Mendoza, has only given up two interceptions on the year.
Last year at Washington State, the Bears’ defense stripped Ward of the ball in the 4th quarter, resulting in a scoop-and-score to put the game out of reach. However, Ward was still impressive throwing for 354 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. Ward had to throw the ball nearly 60 times for the Cougars, carrying the team on his back just to keep the game close.
One way for Miami to avoid a repeat is by establishing the run game early. As seen versus USF, once this offense finds a rhythm, the mix of ground attack and Heisman worthy-QB play is almost unstoppable.
The Canes had a close call versus Virginia Tech last week, as three Cam Ward turnovers directly led to 14 points. It may have been worse if Elijah Arroyo didn’t make the hustle play of the year to stop a return touchdown.
Cal thrives on winning the turnover battle and capitalizing on mistakes. The defense comes in with 10 interceptions in only four games played. Their offense, led by Miami native Fernando Mendoza, has only given up two interceptions on the year.
Last year at Washington State, the Bears’ defense stripped Ward of the ball in the 4th quarter, resulting in a scoop-and-score to put the game out of reach. However, Ward was still impressive throwing for 354 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. Ward had to throw the ball nearly 60 times for the Cougars, carrying the team on his back just to keep the game close.
One way for Miami to avoid a repeat is by establishing the run game early. As seen versus USF, once this offense finds a rhythm, the mix of ground attack and Heisman worthy-QB play is almost unstoppable.
