Miami @ Duke preview
Wallace Wade Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 21, 2009 ) Duke 16, Miami 34
A visit to Atlantic Coast Conference rival Duke this weekend might be just the remedy that Miami’s ailing passing game needs.
The Hurricanes’ passing attack, led by junior quarterback Jacory Harris, was expected to be among the best in college football this season. But Harris, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, has completed only 52.4 percent of his passes this season and has been criticized for his poor decision-making and nine interceptions.
Part of the blame can be placed on Miami’s talented receivers and backs, who have dropped 34 passes, according to Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon.
Harris had his ego bruised further last week when he struggled against blitz packages and failed to throw a touchdown pass in a 45-17 loss to rival Florida State that dropped Miami out of the USA Today Coaches Top 25 poll.
The sting of that performance could be soothed Saturday when Harris faces a Blue Devils pass defense that ranks 75th in the nation (223.6 yards per game) - provided his receivers don’t continue their trend of dropping passes.
Duke’s defense is allowing opponents an average of 431.8 yards and 39.8 points a game, both of which rank 12th in the ACC. That could translate into a productive day for Harris and the Hurricanes’ offense, which is averaging 381.0 yards and 29.4 points a game.
Harris reinjured his groin against Florida State but is expected to play Saturday. Senior Leonard Hankerson, the Hurricanes’ most prolific wide receiver with 460 yards and six touchdowns, sustained a minor head injury against FSU but is listed as probable against Duke.
Duke quarterback Sean Renfree is ranked No. 2 in the ACC in total offense (287.0 ypg), but Miami’s pass defense is giving up only 143.4 yards a game, which ranks No. 4 in the nation. The Hurricanes’ defense leads the nation in tackles for loss (9.6 a game) and is the ACC’s leader in total defense, giving up 307.6 yards a game.
The Blue Devils, who have had two weeks to prepare for the Hurricanes following a 21-16 loss to Maryland, expect senior tight end Brett Huffman to return to action against Miami. He has missed the last two games with a leg injury.
Three injured players on defense - senior linebackers Adam Banks (leg) and Damian Thornton (leg) and junior cornerback Johnny Williams (concussion) - also are probable for Duke.
Miami won last year’s matchup 34-16 and rallied to beat the Blue Devils 49-31 two years ago when Harris came off the bench as a freshman and accounted for a career-best five touchdowns after trailing 24-14 in the third quarter.