Hurricanes Look to Keep Jaw-Dropping Offense Surging

Hurricanes Offense — © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

As we enter Week 3 of the college football season, the 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes (2-0) and head coach Mario Cristobal have been the top team in the Atlantic Coast Conference. After a statement win in Week 1 on the road against the Florida Gators (1-1), the Hurricanes haven't stopped. On Sept. 14, the Hurricanes welcome the Cardinals of Ball State (1-0) as they get ready for their slate of ACC games.

What's on the Line?

For the Hurricanes, quarterback Cam Ward has led a high-powered offense that has outscored its opponents 97-26. While the Hurricanes are 36.5-point favorites (as of this writing) most expect this to be a tune-up as the Hurricanes progress toward their games within the conference. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and Ward have developed an impressive bond within a relatively short amount of time. A continued scoring output is expected against an outgunned team in Ball State.

Ball State and head coach Mike Neu, would get a massive feather in their cap if they can pull off what would be their biggest win. In the first-ever matchup between the two programs, the Cardinals are facing a daunting task. Quarterback Kadin Semonza has improved his accuracy from a season ago. So far this season, he has completed just under 74 percent of his passes and averaged 7 yards per completion. Defensively, the team is led by linebacker Joey Stemler who seems to always be around the ball and able to make plays.

Who to Watch for the Hurricanes

Cristobal did a great job in the Transfer Portal this past offseason. Ward has been exciting to watch for the Hurricanes. Completing 75 percent of his passes, he has taken this Air Raid-style offense and made it his own. Restrepo and Isaiah Horton have formed a great 1-2 punch for War as the duo has 352 yards and 2 touchdowns combined. New running back Damien Martinez has led the rushing attack with 6 yards per carry. On defense, Francisco Mauigoa and Tyler Baron have led the way for the disruptive defense. The dynamic duo has been everywhere with 19 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble between them.

Who to Watch for the Cardinals

In addition to Semonza and Stemler, the players to keep an eye on are running back Braedon Sloan and receiver Cam Pickett. Sloan, although only finding the end zone once, has been an effective runner as well as a receiver out of the backfield. He runs with purpose and shows good instincts to know where and when to run. Pickett, in his sophomore year for the Cardinals, has established himself as the guy for Semonza and the offense. As the team continues to establish its identity it will need to play its best game to stand up to the potential onslaught of the Hurricanes.

Matchup to Watch

The offense, in general, for Ball State against the Hurricanes' defense. The Cardinals have been a run-heavy team through the years and are trending that way this season. Can the offensive line for the Cardinals play physically enough to generate running lanes and have the offense keep the ball out of the hands of Ward and the Hurricanes' offense?