The Miami vs Pittsburgh game this Saturday is a finally to a terrible season for the Canes.
In this week alone, Miami has lost 5 players to the transfer portal, and more are expected to enter before the December 5th deadline.
After failing to meet any of the expectations this season, the Canes are looking to end on a high note. A win would send the Canes to a bowl game. However, a win over Pitt will not be easy.
The Panthers are playing their best ball of the season heading into the finally. Pitt enters Saturday’s game as 6-point favorites on the road. Furthermore, Miami has not won at home against an ACC opponent this season.
In order for the Hurricanes to come out victorious over the Panthers, here are a few stars that need to step up.
Quarterback Play
Since quarterback Tyler Van Dyke went out of the Duke game with an injury, the offense has failed to produce over 300 yards of offense. The blame on that can be put on the quarterbacks or the offensive coordinator. We’ll touch on the coordinator later.
However, the quarterback play by Jacurri Brown and Jake Garcia has left much to be desired. Garcia is the older backup but has been a turnover machine. Brown adds a running dynamic to the offense that is nice to have but he needs to improve as a passer.
For Miami to win, the Canes will need one of these young quarterbacks to show improvement. My bet is on Jacurri Brown by a long shot.
Josh Gattis Play Calling
Granted, Gattis came into Miami as a coordinator who has had success at his previous spots. Most recently being the Michigan Wolverines. Unlike Michigan, the Miami offense has suffered the most injuries I have ever seen from a football program ever. Admittedly, it’s tough to call plays when the personnel you’re using isn’t the same group week in and week out.
With that being said, Gattis has to call the right plays that will help set up his offense to score. Gattis did admit that the Canes have ran 3 different offenses this year because of the injuries.
Unfortunately, Gattis might be coaching for his job in this Miami vs Pittsburgh matchup. At the end of the day, it’s about winning and Gattis’s offense has Miami looking like a division 2 program.
Game Breakdown
Point Spread: Pitt (-6.5)
Game time: 8 P.M. EST
Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)
What’s on the line:
If Miami wins, Miami will be bowl eligible and will get 15 extra practices to end the year. However, if Miami lose, the Canes season ends, and the purging of the roster and staff will begin.