Written by Darrell Wilkinson
For Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Richt the 2018 season has been anything but stable but heading into the season finale at home against a solid Pittsburgh team, a win would help the ‘Canes begin to move in the right direction.
Unfortunately, the news that wide receiver Jeff Thomas is no longer with the program does not help things as Miami loses one of the most electrifying playmakers in the country. The ‘Canes already lost Ahmmon Richards who was one of the best receivers in the country and Thomas showed this season that he was a supreme talent as well and now will no longer be making plays for the U.
Miami will have to shift focus having just come off a 38-14 win at Virginia Tech and if they can play up to the standard shown in Blackburgh they should give Pitt a mess of problems all over the field. The Panthers are however one of the best running teams in the nation ranked 15th in rushing yards with 247 yards per game and will give the Hurricanes defense which is ranked 3rd in total yards a constant threat up front.
Although Pitt still has Clemson to look ahead to, Mark Richt still knows what a tough team they are to play and what it took for them to become ACC Coastal champions and certainly doesn’t think they will overlook his ‘Canes Saturday.
“Obviously they won the Coastal for the first time in their history.” Said Coach Richt. “They’ve won four games in a row, five of the last six. They’re playing really good. Last six games, they’ve outscored their opponents 73-29 in the second half, which has been a big factor for them. Last week they beat Wake Forest. Offensively, they’re averaging 30 points per game and 400 yards per game. They’re averaging 250 a game rushing the ball. They’re doing a great job of that.”
Prediction: Pitt 34 – Miami 31
It’s just so difficult to look at the Hurricanes body of work this season and believe wholeheartedly that they will take over against one of the hottest teams in the country. Pittsburgh stumbled early but has been on a tear the last 6 games while the polar opposite could be said of the Hurricanes.
Still, it’s senior day for Miami and I believe the defense will come out and play hard, and if the defense has one of those lights out games then Miami has a good chance to put the Panthers away. I don’t quite see that happening. I think the ‘Canes get some big plays from the defense but ultimately not be able to keep up with Pittsburgh late.
We’ll all find out together as the ‘Canes play their regular season finale against the University of Pittsburgh. Game can be viewed LIVE on ESPN at 3:30PM/EST. Don’t miss it!
- Darrell Wilkinson TheSkyBoat.com
- Twitter: @TheSkyBoat
- @CanesFB_SkyBoat
- @DarrellW_Sports
