Russell Athletic Bowl, Teddy Bridgewater

Russell Athletic Scouting: Miami vs. Georgia Tech

Mark BlankenbakerDecember 23, 2013

Miami vs. Georgia Tech

I doubt the coaching staff even looked that the defensive tape of Miami in this game. Georgia Tech’s offense is a headache in preparation, but also for coaches hoping to learn about their opponent’s defense. If Louisville suddenly wants to run triple option with Teddy Bridgewater (and eventually Dominique Brown) the Cards might be able to mimic some of Georgia Tech’s 335 yards rushing success against the Canes. Miami really did struggle setting the edge in this game especially early but outside of that Louisville isn’t going to learn much on how to attack Miami from this game.

Georgia Tech had Miami down 17-7, but both teams scored on their opening drive. GT plodded its way to the endzone, while Miami scored on its 2nd play from scrimmage (1st play big rush by Duke Johnson) and TD again big TD to Phillip Dorsett for 40 yards. GT kept scoring, and Miami kept turning it over. Duke Johnson fumbled after a big gain and GT turned that into a TD to take the 17-7 advantage, then Stephen Morris threw an INT.

The Canes stopped the bleeding with a turnover just outside the RedZone for the Yellow Jackets and Miami took the ball and finally was able to retain possession on their way to a touchdown that would bring the game to 17-14. Just before halftime, the big lead was tied at 17-17 after Stephen Morris hit some big gainers to Allen Hurns and Stacy Coley to set up a field goal.

In the 2nd half, Morris threw another INT this time in the redzone, but the Canes would regain possession and would strike on a 69-yard TD pass from Morris to Allen Hurns. Hurns shed a tackler after the catch and followed his blockers all the way into the endzone. Georgia Tech answered and TIED the game after Dorsett fumbled a punt return which allowed GT to once again plod their way into the endzone. Miami then RODE Duke Johnson for 5 consecutive carries before striking with Morris to Stacy Coley for 41-yards to put the Canes inside the 3 and set up a TD.

The Canes broke open the game in the 4th quarter with an 8 point lead and 5:15 remaining with an Interception by Rayshawn Jenkins followed by Duke Johnson getting 5 consecutive carries AGAIN that setup a TD Rush for Dallas Crawford to take a 38-23 lead. Miami would tack on another TD thanks to the hapless passing game of the Yellow Jackets when Justin Thomas had a Pick Six (45-23), Georgia Tech would score a meaningless TD in the game’s final seconds for the final score 45-30.

What Do We Take Away

Miami struggled early on with an almost extinct style of football. It took them a while to figure it out and shot themselves in the foot with turnovers, but again this Miami team thrives on making the big play. HUGE gains made this win possible for Miami along with timely turnovers. The Hurricanes were dominated in time of possession again, but the receiving corps of Coley, Dorsett, and Hurns coupled with Duke Johnson was just way too potent.

Miami amassed 551 yards (324 through the air), but had 4 turnovers and forced 3.

The big thing for me in this game is just how much the play action really paid off for the Hurricanes when they went vertical in the passing game.

It’s really hard to take anything away defensively because of Georgia Tech’s style, but mainly I did think it was somewhat surprising to see them fail to set the edge so often.