Florida A&M Rattlers

Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida A&M Rattlers: Three Things to Look For

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

It’s here.

The college football season is finally here. The aches, pains, and grinds of fall camp are over. Finally, the Miami Hurricane players can hit an opponent, not in the same jersey. Mark Richt’s first season as the 24th head coach in school history begins against the Florida A&M Rattlers.

Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) hands off to running back Joseph Yearby (2) in the second quarter of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

In was a roller coaster August that included the dismissals of Jermaine Grace, and Al-Quadin Muhammad due to violations by using exotic car rentals. The Canes’ will have to manage a tunnel vision mentality for their goal, an Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal division title.

The Canes’ recent attrition has brought new focus to their lack of depth and new questions about what to expect this season. Thankfully, Brad Kaaya leads an offense with an experienced line and plenty of talent to surround him. With new offensive and defensive philosophies, will the Canes’ play and look like a different team? Here are three things to look for Saturday’s game against Florida A&M:

1. Three Starting Freshman LB’s

Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

In a recent interview with ESPN”s Scott Van Pelt, Richt acknowledged that the Canes are thin defensively: “We are probably going to start three true freshman linebackers and that is pretty unique. I’m not sure if anyone in America is doing that.”

Due to the recent attrition with Grace and Young, Miami is forced to do so. Luckily, Miami gets some time for these linebackers to get their feet wet in a real game like atmosphere before the conference schedule kicks in the beginning of October. The starters include Mike Pinckney at weakside linebacker, Shaq Quarterman at middle linebacker and Zach McCoud at strong side linebacker.

In the game versus Florida A&M, look to see if these linebackers can grasp the defense and not look lost. In the new 4-3 defense set by Manny Diaz, the linebackers will play aggressive and downhill. No one has an upper edge in experience with the new defense. Will the linebackers put on a strong showing to make fans confident about their group? Are they the real deal? The next Bermuda triangle?

2. New Style Offense

Oct 1, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass in the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Under the last regime, fans saw a mix of pro and spread concepts from James Coley. Coley usually generated some great scripted plays but failed to make in game adjustments. Like he did in the 1990’s for Florida State and his earlier years at Georgia, Richt will be calling plays and working with the Quarterbacks.

Kaaya is likely to benefit greatly from Richt’s coaching because of the style of offense. The run game is built around the passing game. Richt’s offensive philosophy relies on simple routes that are executed to perfection by the wide receivers. Accordingly, he also his a big proponent of teaching proper footwork to the quarterback. As you are watching the game, keep an eye on Kaaya’s development from last season to this game against Florida A&M.

Look for a lot of ground and pound on the offensive side of the ball. Canes fans will see a lot of 11 and 21 set personnel groupings. In Richt’s tenure at Georgia, he produced very talented backs like Todd Gurley and Knowshon Moreno. Joe Yearby, Mark Walton, and Gus Edwards are certain to get their carries behind their fullback, Marquez Williams. Will the Miami running backs shine in Richt’s offense? How will Edwards look in his return to the backfield?

Sep 5, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive end Trent Harris (33) takes the field before a game against Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Defensive Line Emergence

With the absence of Muhammad on the defensive line, it is time for other players to step up and emerge. Chad Thomas is the name to remember on the defensive line. The junior finished last season with no sacks. The defensive scheme in the old regime was not friendly towards padding stats. The former five-star, Under Armor All-American, must step up and lead the defensive line this year, starting game one against Florida A&M.

Another player to watch is Trent Harris. Harris is known as “Toolbox” for his ability to play inside and outside on the D-Line. (49 tackles, 3.5 sacks last season). He could be Miami’s best player on defense this year. Harris broke his hand during practice earlier this week. Despite the broken hand, Harris is still expected to play.

This game against Florida A&M is a great opportunity for other players to show what they have to offer to coach Craig Kuligowski. With the dismissals of Harris and Muhammad and suspension of Gerald Willis, Demetrius Jackson is slated to see a lot of playing time this season. Watch to see how he plays in this aggressive system during the opener.

Freshmen Pat Bethel and Joseph Jackson could also get reps against FAMU. Who will step up in Muhammad’s absence and Harris’ injury? How many sacks can the defensive line get? Watch for Miami’s defensive line to get after the quarterback and make big plays behind the line of scrimmage.