Miami are back at No. 1, the 2001 national champions are being honoured at Hard Rock, and for once UK Canes get a sensible kick-off time. That is a pretty good way to start a Saturday.
Today’s game against Pittsburgh feels bigger than a routine late-October conference game. It is Miami’s first outing as the top-ranked team in the country since 2002, and the occasion comes with the 25th anniversary celebration of the 2001 national title team. That group still sets the standard for what Miami football looks like at its best, so there is something nicely timed about the current Canes stepping onto the field as No. 1 on the same day.
The nation’s top two rushing defences meet
The football itself is interesting too. This is a meeting between the top two rushing defences in the country. Pittsburgh lead the nation, with Miami right behind them. That should immediately make this less straightforward than the ranking beside each team’s name might suggest. Pitt have been good against the run all season and they take the ball away as well, so this is not a game where Miami can be sloppy and assume talent will sort everything out.
If there is an obvious area for Miami to attack, it is through the air. Pitt’s pass defence numbers are far less convincing, which should put the spotlight on Darian Mensah again. He comes into the day with 1,764 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and only one interception, while Malachi Toney continues to look like the player most capable of turning a normal play into something much bigger. If Miami protect Mensah well enough, there should be opportunities there.
Parris ruled out in late injury update
There has also been one late injury update since yesterday’s Daily. Freshman receiver Milan Parris has now moved from doubtful to out. He joins Joshua Moore, CharMar Brown, Ja’Boree Antoine, OJ Frederique Jr., Max Buchanan and Luka Gilbert on Miami’s unavailable list. Buchanan remains the most important absence in football terms because Pitt are physical enough to test Miami up front. The better news is that Mark Fletcher Jr. and Bryce Fitzgerald are not listed among the unavailable players, which is exactly what Miami would have wanted after the Florida State game.
A welcome 5pm kick off for UK Canes
From a UK point of view, this is a gift.
No. 1 Miami vs Pittsburgh
Saturday 24 October | 5pm UK | Noon ET | DAZN UK
After all the late nights we have put in this season, a proper Saturday evening game feels almost suspiciously civilised. Add in the 2001 celebrations and this is one to enjoy.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
Today feels like more than just another step in the season. Miami has spent years trying to get back to this sort of stage, and now they finally have a home game as the No. 1 team in the country with the greatest team in programme history being celebrated around them. The emotion is obvious, but the real test is whether the current group handles it properly. Pittsburgh are good enough defensively to make this awkward if Miami drifts. If the Canes stay composed, protect Mensah and avoid gifting away momentum, they should get the job done. That is what a top ranked team is supposed to do.
