Written by Darell Wilkinson
After eight grueling months since the National Championship trophy was lifted, College Football is BACK! Under the lights and giant television screen of AT&T Stadium, the eighth-ranked University of Miami Hurricanes take on the twenty-fifth ranked LSU Tigers in a mouth-watering opening match-up that will be a true test for both teams.
The Hurricanes ended 2017 on a sour note after starting the season 10-0 they proceeded to lose the next 3 including the ACC Championship and Orange Bowl but Miami is still looking like a strong team ready to compete for another ACC Championship birth. The LSU Tigers had an up and down 2017 under head coach Ed Orgeron finishing the season 9-4 with a tough loss to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl that could have boosted fans hopes for the future, but as we know the SEC is always loaded with talent and you can never count out LSU.
For Miami, the key to the game and the entire season really is all dependent upon how well returning starting quarterback Malik Rosier handles an offense that is loaded with explosive weapons. Rosier struggled towards the tail end of the season as his inconsistencies finally caught up with him and the team. If Rosier can avoid making the big mistakes then a really talented defense, a strong running game with Travis Homer and big plays from wideout Ahmon Richards will give the Tigers problems throughout the game.
Under Head Coach Mark Richt the team has seen a resurgence back to the old days of ‘The U’ but Richt wants to prove it not just say it.
“We’re not elite until we win enough games to say we’re elite. If people want to say we’re pretty good, top 10… who knows? We’ll find out once we play ball.”
In Baton Rouge the concern heading into 2018 is whether or not Head Coach Ed Orgeron can turn this team around and show improvement with his job being on the hot seat, and a relatively unknown backfield. If you know anything about the Tigers you know they play physical SEC football, play great defense and run the ball. So although the concerns are there for the fans I would be stunned if one of Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn’t pan out to at least be productive in a backfield that over the last couple years has featured players such as Leonard Fornette and Darrius Guice.
Orgeron is confident in his guys and believes in the physical nature of the game being a big part of his game plan.
“We’re going to be physical. It’s in our DNA. That’s why you come to LSU. We’re always going to be physical here.”
Prediction: Miami 28 – LSU 24
This is going to be a tough match-up for both teams but whoever comes out on top will be riding some huge momentum for the rest of the season. I believe Miami will come out on top in a close game and the turnover chain will be a big reason why. Although Miami has lost a few starters along the defensive line, the secondary is more experienced than its been in years led by safety Jaquan Johnson and corner Michael Jackson. LSU is starting newly transferred junior graduate quarterback Joe Burrow and I believe a combination of great defense from Miami and a few mistakes from Burrow push Miami over the top in this one.
Either way, its going to be a great contest. No NFL on Sunday so what better replacement then ‘The U’ and LSU in prime time.
#8 Miami vs #25 LSU kicks off Sunday 9/2 at 7:30PM/EST from AT&T Stadium and can be seen on ABC.
