UM vs. Syracuse: Matchups to Watch
By David Villavicencio
HurricaneSports.com
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes face another tough test Saturday, when the Syracuse Orange come to Hard Rock Stadium.
The No. 8/7 Hurricanes (5-0, 3-0 ACC) are one of eight undefeated teams remaining in FBS, and the only one from the ACC. While Syracuse’s 4-3 record may not standout, its victory a week ago over then-No.2 Clemson certainly does. The Orange are 2-1 in the ACC and have been in every game they’ve played, losing by no more than nine points all season.
Miami holds a commanding 15-7 lead in the all-time series, winning five straight meetings dating back to 1999. The Canes are 8-3 at home against the Orange, but this will be the first time the teams face off at Hard Rock Stadium and the first time the two meet since joining the ACC.
The Canes are looking to extend their current winning streak to 11 games, while Syracuse hopes to knock off consecutive AP top 10 teams for the first time. Here are three matchups to watch in Saturday’s game.
Miami’s defense vs. Syracuse QB Eric Dungey
The Hurricanes have faced several dangerous quarterbacks this season, including Toledo’s Logan Woodside, Duke’s Daniel Jones and Georgia Tech’s TaQuon Marshall. Each of those quarterbacks presented unique challenges for Miami’s defense, but the Canes responded and came away victorious.
Syracuse’s Eric Dungey is the latest gifted passer looking to take down the Hurricanes and he enters this weekend’s game ranked fifth in the country in completions per game (26.8). The junior is also sixth in points responsible for (122) and seventh in total offense (352.3). His 20 touchdowns responsible for are more than Washington State’s Luke Falk (19), USC’s Sam Darnold (18), Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield (18) and UCLA’s Josh Rosen (18).
“They’ve got a great quarterback, Dungey – leading rusher, highly competitive guy, great passer,” Miami head coach Mark Richt said.
But the Hurricanes will give Dungey all that he can handle, as Miami ranks fifth in the country in team sacks (3.40 per game) and third in tackles for loss (8.6 per game). Dungey, who is also Syracuse’s leading rusher, has thrown just four interceptions this season. But Miami will look to take the ball away from the Orange’s offense and break out its turnover chain on Saturday.
Miami’s defensive backs vs. Syracuse wide receivers Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips
A week ago, Miami’s secondary was focused on communication and sound tackling to stop Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense. This week, the Hurricane DBs are trying to stop a pair of receivers with game-changing ability.
Syracuse’s Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips are the top active receiving duo in the nation. The pair has combined for 366 career receptions, more than any other active tandem. Ishmael currently leads the country in receptions (62) and is second in receptions per game (8.9), while Phillips is third (56) and fifth (8.0) in those respective categories.
Miami will look for strong play from corners Malek Young, Michael Jackson, Trajan Bandy and Jhavonte Dean, as they look to limit Ishmael and Phillips, who have combined for seven touchdowns and over half of Syracuse’s receptions and receiving yards this season.
“I believe we’re going to keep up with them,” defensive back Jaquan Johnson said. “We’re working hard, we’re conditioned, we’re doing plays up-tempo, fast and not taking breaks so I believe we’re going to be able to keep up with them.”
Miami’s defense vs. Syracuse’s up-tempo offense
This matchup is broad but important on Saturday. The Orange look to push the tempo on offense and the Hurricanes will need to be ready for a fast-paced game.
“They’re a team that plays with their hair on fire, so to speak,” Richt said. “They play with such tempo offensively, the number one goal is just getting lined up. Can you just get lined up quick enough to try and defend, and then, can you defend?
Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has been working to prepare his unit all week for the up-tempo attack they will confront on Saturday. Between film study and accelerated tempo all week long in practice, the Hurricanes feel prepared for the challenge.
“Their team can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and you’re not prepared for it,” linebacker Zach McCloud said. “If you don’t watch the film and take them lightly, they’ll take advantage of you.”
Kickoff against the Orange is set for 3:30 p.m., from Hard Rock Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Click here for ticket information.
