Hurricanes Preparing For Cincinnati's High Octane Offense
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CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – The University of Miami is getting ready for an aerial assault from the Cincinnati Bearcats.
The Canes will face a team that is number three in the nation in total offense, averaging 622 yards per game, and number two in passing throwing for 412 yards a game.
It's expected, but hasn't been confirmed that Cincinnati will go with redshirt freshman quarterback Hayden Moore in place of the injured Gunner Kiel.
Kiel suffered a neck injury in last Thursday's game against Memphis.
All Moore did was throw for a school record 557 yards. He broke the record that has stood since 1968. Oh, and he did it in 3 quarters.
"The challenge for us number one is to get lined up and communicate, we can't have any breakdowns then we have to get to the quarterback with a four, five or six man rush," said Hurricanes head coach Al Golden. "Of course we have to defend the deep ball and don't give them anything easy. It's a great challenge. They threw the ball 64 times last week, so we'll be under constant pressure."
The Bearcats are also number one in the nation running 91 plays per game.
The Miami defense has shown flashes of brilliance forcing 10 turnovers (seven interceptions, three fumble recoveries) while forcing nine sacks, but Miami will be without safeties Deon Bush and Jamal Carter, both suspended for the first half because of targeting penalties in their last game against Nebraska.
Bush, who has been stuffing the stat sheet has 11 tackles, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery in the Hurricanes first three games said " I'm going to be supporting my team and just getting ready for my opportunity in the 2nd half. I feel my confidence is really high so I can help soon as I get back on the field."
One way to control Cincinnati will be with the Canes offense. Last year Miami ran for 335 yards and gained 621 total yards.
A strong running game especially in the first half will help Miami play keep away from the Bearcats.
The Canes will be mostly healthy as wide receiver Braxton Berrios has been practicing and will play.
Berrios could help ignite the Canes 3rd down offense where Miami is converting just 24 percent of the time. Also linebacker Jermaine Grace is full go.
Coach Golden said the Canes will play a lot of people. Miami has also been practicing at an up tempo pace all week.
It's the 13th meeting between the schools with the Canes leading the series 11-1.
Listen to the Miami Hurricanes take on the Cincinnati Bearcats this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on Sports Radio 560 WQAM, your official radio home for the Canes!
Follow Joe Zagacki on Twitter (@canesvoice)
