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In a Conference Clash, Miami Hurricanes Look to Rebound

Hurricanes rebound — © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

On Nov. 23, the eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-1, 5-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) will host the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 ACC) at noon EST at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. After a Nov. 9 loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-4, 4-3 ACC), the Hurricanes and quarterback Cam Ward look to rebound and remain in contention for the ACC championship. It will be the 12th matchup overall and the Hurricanes hold a commanding 8-3 lead in the series. The Hurricanes won the last matchup in 2013, 24-21.

What is on the Line?

The Hurricanes' loss to Georgia Tech stung and derailed their undefeated season. Although they are still the highest-ranked team in the conference, they need a convincing win on Nov. 23 to continue their climb toward an ACC championship Game and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes look to have their high-powered offense (45 points per game) running on all cylinders as they seek a birth in the playoffs.

The Demon Deacons' season has had its ups and downs. They are now in a must-win situation, needing wins in their final two games to become bowl-eligible. Wake Forest and head coach Dave Clawson's offense has averaged 394 yards and 28 points per game. The defense has allowed 438 yards and 32.5 points per game. Minimizing the effectiveness of the Hurricanes' offense will be a trial by fire for the Demon Deacons' defense.

Who to Watch for the Hurricanes?

On offense, the aerial attack of Ward and receivers Xavier Restrepo and Isaiah Horton has been eye-opening this season. Restrepo recently entered the record books as the all-time receiving leader for the Hurricanes, leading the team this season with 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. The running backs, led by Damien Martinez, have been equally as electrifying to watch. Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. are each averaging almost 6 yards a carry. The duo has accounted for 14 TDs this season.

On defense, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa has been a ball-seeking missile, leading the team with 63 tackles and establishing himself as the defense's heartbeat. The play of defensive linemen Tyler Baron and Simeon Barrow Jr. has caused nightmares for opposing offenses. The duo leads the team with 10 sacks and a forced fumble on the season.

Demon Deacons to Keep An Eye On

The offense has been quarterback Hank Bachmeier's to run. Currently, he's completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,300 yards and 15 total TDs. While he has shown an ability to deliver the ball to all areas of the field, averaging 7 yards per attempt, he has looked to be a gunslinger at times. Bachmeier has 9 INTs to his 14 TD passes. His favorite target has been receiver Taylor Morin, who leads the team with 676 yards and is averaging 13 yards per reception. He is a technician in running routes. In addition to knowing how to get open, Morin has shown a fearlessness to make receptions in and out of traffic.

On defense, defensive back Nick Anderson has been a tackling machine with a team-leading 105 tackles. He's shown solid instincts to read and react to plays and closes quickly to make a tackle. Defensive linemen Jasheen Davis and Kevin Pointer have been problematic for opposing offenses with 57 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 1 INT and 1 forced fumble between them.

Key Matchup for the Game

Demond Claiborne vs. Wesley Bissainthe

While Mauigoa has been everywhere for the Hurricanes' defense, his focus may lean toward covering Morin. Bissainthe will likely be tasked with covering Claiborne. Claiborne has led the team with 1,155 total yards and 13 TDs on the year. He's shown the vision to maximize yardage as a runner, averaging 5 yards per carry and just under 12 yards per reception. His dynamic ability as a runner and a pass catcher against the coverage, while facing the tackling talent of Bissainthe, could be a fun matchup to watch throughout the game.