Let's enjoy this one.
There is plenty to pick apart. Virginia Tech exposed a flawed team. But this is the type of game that makes fans.
My boys are 10 and 8. Despite their love of sports, they never wanted to watch the Canes. Saturdays meant boring games, players they've never heard of, and Papa yelling in frustration. Now, they can't stop talking about what they saw.
You had legitimate star players like Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo making plays in front of a national audience. Fake FGs, deep FGs, big returns, laterals, Hail Mary, a loud Rock. We are blessed to have watched it.
- Much of the game felt like Georgia Tech. Turnovers and missed opportunities. Cam Ward and a good replay booth changed the story. In the post-game, Ward called it a "turning point in the season." Time will tell, but I believe him.
- There were a ton of NFL scouts in the building, and I'd bet the buzziest name is Elijah Arroyo. He ran like a thoroughbred, played physical, and is a walking advertisement of Mario's culture:
- We won't have to look far for Arroyo's replacement. Riley Williams showed he can run and continues to flash as an in-line blocker. He's huge.
- You could tell we were missing two of our best players. Reuben Bain's strength and finishing ability would have helped against the 234-pound Kyron Drones. I love Markel Bell's progression and future, but Jalen Rivers would have been more consistent against Virginia Tech's good pass rush.
- I'd expect teams to follow Virginia Tech's blueprint. Force Miami to tackle in space, take away the run, challenge the WRs to beat you deep, and capitalize on mistakes.
- Tough game for Miami's linebackers. I hope we give Kiko Mauigoa some more breathers. He is a big guy and plays so hard. He's already a little stiff in his hips, so when he gets tired he can look bad in space. I want him full energy and making impact plays in the backfield.
- Virginia Tech played incredible. They aren't consistent or well-coached, but they have a high ceiling by ACC standards. We got their best shot. Drones gave our undersized front four major problems with his size.
- Defensively, we get Bain back but are pretty beat up. Simeon Barrow, Jaden Harris and Elijah Alston all sat out the end of the game. True freshmen like Justin Scott and Zaquan Patterson were getting crunch time snaps. I wonder if a guy like Armondo Blount is next up.
- In a secondary that lacks impact talent, I continue to be impressed by OJ Frederique. He pulled the trigger and made a great tackle on a screen, and his phantom PI was great coverage. We would be in deep trouble without him.
- I'm not too worried about the offense. We scored five touchdowns and put up 508 yards. The turnovers were a good wake-up call for a player getting so much Heisman hype. We do lack a truly dynamic, Santana Moss-type playmaker that scares defenses. It's easy to see why Chris Johnson, Jr. is on the fast track.
Last year, we started 4-1. And the 1 felt like ten. We are 5-0. Let's enjoy it.
