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Hurricanes Look to Avoid Unique Sting From Yellow Jackets

Hurricanes Avoid Sting — © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

On Nov. 9, the fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to Atlanta, Ga., to battle the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-3 ACC) as ACC foes clash. The game will mark the 29th overall meeting between the schools and the all-time series is tied at 14 wins each. The Yellow Jackets did win the matchup last season 23-20. Will the Hurricanes avoid the sting from the Yellow Jackets to stay undefeated?

What's on the Line?

For the Hurricanes, everything is on the line. With the win, they establish themselves as the team to beat in the conference and position themselves as one of the favorites to earn a first-round bye in the expanded playoffs. The Hurricanes have been high-powered on offense, averaging 47 points per game. On defense, the team has surrendered just under 23 points per game. Heisman Trophy-hopeful quarterback Cam Ward is second in the country with 3,146 yards and has been responsible for 32 total touchdowns.

For the Yellow Jackets, head coach Brent Key has his team in position to play spoiler for a second straight season. As the Yellow Jackets work towards bowl eligibility, a win against the fourth-ranked team in the College Football Playoff rankings can be an impressive stamp on their resume this season. A possible return for quarterback Haynes King would only help the Yellow Jackets as they look to earn their second victory against a top-10 foe this season.

Who to Watch for the Yellow Jackets

On offense, a return of King to the starting lineup can open up the offense and give Georgia Tech a much-needed jolt after losing their last two games by a combined 52-19. Running back Jamal Haynes has been a force on the ground for Key. Averaging 5 yards per carry and responsible for 9 total touchdowns, he's continued to be a high-potential offense player. Receivers Malik Rutherford and Eric Singleton have been key to the success of the team with a combined 1,142 yards and 4 TDs between them. On defense, linebacker Kyle Efford has been the heart and soul of the team. The leader with 52 tackles has shown the sideline-to-sideline coverage ability that is coveted at the next level. Defensive lineman Sylvain Yondjouen has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, leading the team in sacks and he's also broken up three passes.

Who to Watch for the Hurricanes

On offense, Ward has only been part of the equation. Receivers Xavier Restrepo and Isaiah Horton have excelled in the offense. The duo has led the way for the Hurricanes' aerial attack with 1,404 yards and 13 TDs between them. Equally impressive has been the rushing attack, led by running back Damien Martinez with 595 yards and 8 TDs. Running mates Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle have been equally impressive, combining for 678 yards and 9 TDs. Defensively, linebacker Fransico Mauigoa has been a ball-seeking machine. He leads the team with 52 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 pass breakups, an interception and forced a fumble. Defensive linemen Simeon Barrow Jr. and Tyler Baron have made a living terrorizing opponents this season. The duo has 10 sacks and 58 tackles between them.

Key Matchup

Jamal Haynes vs. Damien Martinez

With questions surrounding King for the Yellow Jackets, Haynes is poised to be the focal point of the offense. He's a player who can run effectively between the tackles as well as hit another gear and run outside of the tackles. Martinez is equally effective and a threat to gain chunks of yards each time he touches the ball. Seeing which of these runners helps their team the most will be entertaining.