Saturday afternoon’s game between No. 5 Miami and visiting Duke feels a little more personal.
That’s thanks to Miami native Manny Diaz, who is in his first year as the Blue Devils’ head coach.
Diaz was the Hurricanes’ defensive coordinator (2016-18) and head coach (2019-21). Current Hurricanes manager Mario Cristobal received a 10-year, $80 million deal from Miami after Diaz was fired.
That’s just one of the subplots of this Atlantic Coast Conference game in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miami (8-0, 4-0) is off to its best start since 10-0 in the 2017 season opener, and enters the game as a heavy with an explosive offense.
The Hurricanes rank No. 1 in the nation in scoring average (46.8) and third-down conversion rate (59.8).
Miami quarterback Cam Ward ranks second in the nation in passing touchdowns (24) and third in passing yards per game (343.3).
But it’s not just Ward.
Miami’s Xavier Restrepo ranks second in the ACC in receiving yards (710). In his career, he ranks second in Hurricanes history with 174 catches and third with 2,427 receiving yards. In those categories, he edged out former NFL stars Reggie Wayne and Michael Irvin, respectively. Both career records are within reach.
At running back, Miami relies on starters Mark Fletcher Jr., Damian Martinez, and Ajay Allen, who can break down tired defenses with his speed and movement.
In last week’s 36-14 win over Florida State, the 232-pound Martinez ran for 148 yards, averaged 9.9 yards and had two touchdowns.
“Damian is a tough guy and hard to beat,” Cristobal said. “I’m not going to arm tackle him.”
However, Duke’s strength lies in its defense, which ranks second in the ACC in points per game allowed (18.6). Nationally, the Blue Devils are tied for 20th in that category with Alabama.
The Blue Devils (6-2, 2-2) also rank No. 1 in the nation in fumble recoveries (10).
Another interesting matchup on Saturday will pit Miami’s fragile defense, which has allowed 34 points or more in three of the last four games, against Duke’s erratic offense, which is tied for 14th in the league in scoring (26.0 points). It’s a competition.
Duke quarterback Malik Murphy spent his first two seasons with the Texas Longhorns, appearing in seven games (two starts) in relief of QB Quinn Ewers, completing 40 of 71 passes and hitting .477. He recorded 3 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
This season, the 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore is completing 58.6 percent of his passes with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Murphy’s top playmakers are running back Starr Thomas and two wide receivers who could give Miami trouble, Eli Pancol and Jordan Moore.
Thomas had 785 scrimmage yards and six TDs. Pancol had 36 receptions for 446 yards and six TDs. And Moore had 34 catches for 481 yards and four TDs.
As for Diaz, 50, he’s not promoting this as a “revenge” game.
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When asked about playing against the Hurricanes, he said, “Revenge is not a good motive.” “I learned a lot in Miami. In the end, it wasn’t enough, but that’s okay.
“I can tell you that the ACC schedulers have a great sense of humor.”
–Field level media
https://deadspin.com/duke-coach-manny-diaz-makes-homecoming-to-miami-vs-no-5-canes/