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Oct 23, 2009 7:54 pm US/Eastern
Miami Receivers Could Be Tested Against Clemson
By Solange Reyner
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 10: C.J. Spiller #28 of the Clemson Tigers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 10, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Clemson leads the Atlantic Coastal Conference in interceptions. Miami lineman Orlando Franklin doesn't believe the Tigers will get many takeaways against his speedy receivers.
"They like to play man to man and no one can match up with our guys in those situations. We're faster ," Franklin said.
"Our guys run 4.3s. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out."
The eighth-ranked Hurricanes are hoping it all works out in their favor: with a win. Miami is sure to be tested, though, when Clemson and its veteran corps of defensive backs kick off against Miami at 3:30 at Land Shark Stadium on Saturday.
Jacory Harris has already thrown seven interceptions this season, and the Tigers (3-3, 2-2 ACC) have snagged 10, with safety DeAndre McDaniel with five – tied for tops in the nation. Rashard Hall has two, and Chris Chancellor – who's playing in his home town on an emotional high – has one.
Chancellor was a friend and former teammate of UCONN football player Jasper Howard, who was stabbed to death last week after an on-campus dance – Chancellor will wear Howard's no.6 jersey during Saturday's game to honor him.
The Tigers' defense is anchored by ends Ricky Sapp and De'Quan Bowers, part of a front seven that has only given up three yards per carry this season.
"They have the two headed monster at defensive end. We just have to take care of everything and execute," Miami quarterbacl Jacory Harris said.
"They have faith in their secondary. They're going to play you man and they're just going to say you beat us because they believe in their front seven. Last week they put a lot of pressure on Riley Skinner and that was the key to their game."
That pressure could be an issue for Miami (5-1, 2-1), which has given up 12 sacks – including six last week to unranked Central Florida.
"Sacks is a conglomerate of everybody, not just the offensive line," Miami coach Randy Shannon said. "We have to get better."
Harris feels he's prepared, and has confidence in his receivers. The probable return of wide receiver Aldarius Johnson could benefit the Hurricanes. Before separating his shoulder against Florida A&M two weeks ago, Johnson had nine receptions for 124 yards.
Defensively, Miami should get a boost from the return of defensive end Eric Moncur and defensive backs Randy Phillips and Jojo Nicholas. Clemson is most dangerous whenever running back C.J. Spiller and receiver Jacoby Ford touch the ball.
Spiller ranks fifth in the ACC with 77.7 yards rushing yards per game and had stellar outings against ranked teams (87 against then-No.11 Georgia Tech and 112 against then-No.10 TCU). He's also considered the league's most potent threat on punt and kickoff returns. Ford (26 catches for 358 yards) is quarterback Kyle Parker's go-to receiver.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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