Scott Makes Head Coaching Debut As Canes Visit Duke
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DURHAM, N.C. (SportsDirect Inc.) -- Larry Scott takes over as interim coach for Miami (Fla.) when the Hurricanes try to wash away the remnants of a difficult week with an ACC road game against No. 18 Duke on Saturday.
The Hurricanes suffered a 58-0 thumping at the hands of Clemson last Saturday that resulted in the firing of coach Al Golden, and standout quarterback Brad Kaaya suffered a concussion.
Kaaya, who is averaging 263.7 yards passing with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions, is doubtful while his top receiver Rashawn Scott (shoulder) is questionable.
Miami already faces a difficult test with the Blue Devils, who have won four straight games after a stirring 45-43 four-overtime victory at Virginia Tech last week. Duke coach David Cutcliffe isn't expecting a letdown, telling reporters, "Our team understands the challenges. We're pretty familiar with Miami and their ability."
Dual-threat quarterback Thomas Sirk was named ACC Offensive Back of the Week after throwing a career-best four touchdown passes and rushing for 109 yards last Saturday for the Blue Devils.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Off
ABOUT MIAMI (4-3, 1-2 ACC): Kaaya did not practice Wednesday and backup Malik Rosier completed 7-of-22 passes with two interceptions in relief last Saturday. Whoever is under center will need more from a rushing attack that ranks 13th out of 14 teams in the ACC and is led by Joseph Yearby, who has rushed for 559 yards – just 135 the last three weeks – and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Stacy Coley has caught 19 passes for 256 yards the past three contests, but Miami's defense has struggled while allowing 406.1 yards overall per outing.
ABOUT DUKE (6-1, 3-0): Sirk took over the full-time duties at quarterback this season and has prospered while leading the ACC in total offense and completing 60.1 percent of his attempts. Max McCaffrey and Johnell Barnes lead the Blue Devils with 25 receptions apiece and Shaquille Powell is second behind Sirk (434 yards) on the ground with 313 and three scores. DeVon Edwards is a major weapon with five career kickoff returns for touchdowns – two this season – and fellow safety Jeremy Cash leads the ACC with 14 tackles for loss.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The mother of Miami DB Artie Burns, who has an ACC-leading five interceptions, died Monday.
2. The Blue Devils are allowing just 0.57 sacks per game – the only team in the ACC averaging fewer than one.
3. Duke beat Miami 48-30 in their last meeting in Durham, N.C. in 2013, but the Hurricanes have won 10 of the 12 games in the series.