Bethune Cookman @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 1, 2011 ) Bethune Cookman 14, Miami 45

Miami’s defense, which hasn’t proven it can stop anyone, may have its hands full in its home opener against in-state FCS rival Bethune-Cookman. The Bulldogs led the Hurricanes for most of the first half in their 2011 meeting and were within one score for most of the game before Miami pulled away for a 45-14 win. But Miami has historically feasted on MEAC teams, especially at home, where the Canes have outscored those teams 400-49.

TV: 12 p.m., ESPN3.com LINE: None.

ABOUT BETHUNE-COOKMAN (2-0): The Wildcats are averaging 32.5 points this season, with Brodrick Waters (165 yards passing, two TDs; 109 yards rushing) and Jackie Wilson (199 yards passing) splitting time at quarterback. Tailback Isidore Jackson has rushed for 204 yards and needs only 36 yards to reach the 1,600-yard mark in his career and become No. 10 on the school’s all-time list. The defense is led by end LeBrandon Richardson, who had two sacks last week at South Carolina State, linebacker Jarkevis Fields and cornerback Dion Hanks.

ABOUT MIAMI (1-1): The Canes are looking for help on defense after giving up 52 points in a loss to Kansas State last week. They have been torched for 1,035 yards of total offense in two games. It’s the most yards they’ve allowed in consecutive games since giving up 1,168 yards in 1998. The defense got bad news when fifth-year senior linebacker Ramon Buchanan (knee) was ruled out for the season after being injured Saturday. The offense has been sparked by true freshman RB Duke Johnson, who leads the ACC with 198.5 total yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami is 4-0 in home openers since moving to Sun Life Stadium.

2. Miami is 8-1 all-time against teams from the MEAC.

3. Miami is 6-0 after a loss under coach Al Golden.

PREDICTION: Miami 42, Bethune-Cookman 13