The talking is over. It’s time for Miami to respond.
After a frustrating defeat to Notre Dame ended their unbeaten season, the No. 7 Hurricanes return to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday to face Duke in a game carrying significant ACC Championship implications.
Miami remain unbeaten in conference play at 6-0, but the Blue Devils arrive in excellent form, having won three consecutive games.
And there’s one matchup in particular that could decide how this afternoon unfolds.
Something Has to Give
Duke running back Nate Sheppard has been outstanding this season, rushing for 1,189 yards, the second-highest total in the country.
Last weekend, he produced 217 yards and three touchdowns against NC State. The previous week, he scored five rushing touchdowns against Boston College.
But Miami have an impressive statistic of their own.
The Hurricanes lead the nation in rushing defence, allowing just 64.3 yards per game.
One of the country’s most productive runners against its stingiest run defence. Something has to give.
If Miami can contain Sheppard and force Duke into predictable passing situations, they’ll give themselves an excellent platform to control the game.
After the defensive problems against North Carolina and Notre Dame, a disciplined performance would also restore some much-needed confidence.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Opposition
There’s another intriguing storyline surrounding Saturday’s game.
Quarterback Darian Mensah and receiver Cooper Barkate face their former programme after helping Duke win last season’s ACC Championship.
Mensah enters the contest leading the nation with a 76.8% completion rate, while Barkate is coming off a 10-catch, 92-yard performance against Notre Dame.
With Malachi Toney still unavailable, both Barkate and tight end Elija Lofton will have important roles.
However, Miami cannot afford another slow offensive start. Getting Mark Fletcher Jr. involved early, establishing balance and protecting Mensah must be priorities.
A Place in Charlotte Within Reach
Saturday could prove significant beyond simply returning to winning ways.
Miami can secure a place in the ACC Championship Game if they beat Duke, Louisville lose to North Carolina, and either Clemson lose to Georgia Tech or SMU lose to Wake Forest.
That’s quite an incentive.
But first, the Hurricanes must take care of their own business.
Miami vs Duke kicks off at 5pm GMT (12pm ET), live on ABC.
For those of us watching from the UK, it’s a welcome Saturday evening kick-off rather than another early-morning finish.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
I was frustrated by Miami’s performance at Notre Dame, particularly how long it took us to find our rhythm. The second-half comeback demonstrated what this team is capable of, but we cannot keep leaving ourselves with mountains to climb.
Duke won’t make things easy, and Sheppard presents a genuine challenge.
But one defeat doesn’t erase eight victories or everything Miami have achieved this season.
The unbeaten record is gone. The ACC Championship and College Football Playoff ambitions are still very much alive.
South Bend is behind us. Duke are in front of us. Let’s see the response we’ve been waiting for.
