The University of Miami takes on Florida A&M on September 3 in what will be the Hurricanes’ first game with Mark Richt as head coach.
After spending 15 seasons as University of Georgia head coach, Richt and the Bulldogs went their separate ways in November of 2015. The following month, the Miami grad was named Hurricanes head coach. Richt, who compiled a record of 145-51 at UGA, will have some proven playmakers and experienced offensive linemen at his disposal on offense in his first season.
Manny Diaz left his post as Mississippi State defensive coordinator to accept the same role under Richt at Miami. He’ll have the task of improving a young defense that surrendered almost 30 points per game last year.
Miami, which travels to Charlottesville on November 12, will be Virginia’s final home game of the season. UVA has won its last three home contests over the Hurricanes.
Miami Peek
- Head Coach (record at school): Mark Richt (0-0)
- 2015 Record:8-5
- Offense 2015 Total Yards Game:397
- Offense 2015 Points/Game:27.8
- Defense 2015 Total Yards/Game:405.2
- Defense 2015 Points/Game:28.2
What To Expect On Game Day
Offense:
Coach Richt will be calling the plays for an offense that boasts one of the conference’s best offensive backfields, featuring quarterback Brad Kaaya (ACC-leading 274.5 yards per game with 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions) and tailbacks Mark Walton (1,054 all-purpose yards and 10 TDs) and Joe Yearby (1,275 all-purpose yards including 1,002 yards rushing).
Senior Stacey Coley is the top returner in the receiving corps. Coley was second on the team in receptions one year ago, receiving Third Team All-ACC recognition for his play. Running backs Walton and Yearby and tight end Chris Herndon factored heavily into the receiving game last season, too. They all return, but wide receiver is a position where Miami needs new players to step up and assume bigger roles.
All five projected offensive line starters have significant starting experience, so that unit should be solid.
Defense:
Miami’s biggest question marks lie on defense, particularly in the front seven. The opening week depth chart includes three true freshmen starting linebackers, two sophomores starting on the interior defensive line, and two juniors starting at the ends. Defensive end Chad Thomas is one to watch here.
Thomas, one of the most highly sought after recruits in his class, is looking for a breakout year. The 6’5″ end played in 13 games last season, starting eight of them, but only mustered 18 total tackles including one sack. Junior Trent Harris, who had 3.5 sacks last season, starts opposite of Thomas at the “Viper” position. The projected starting defensive tackles in game one are a pair of sophomores in Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh, who combined for 23 tackles in 2015.
Miami’s secondary will miss the departed Artie Burns, a cornerback, and safety Deon Bush. Cornerback Corn Elder and safety Rayshawn Jenkins combined for five interceptions last season, though, giving the Canes some solid playmakers in the defensive backfield heading into 2016.
Special Teams:
The Hurricanes have a plus kicking game led by punter Justin Vogel, Miami’s lone 2016 Preseason All-ACC selection after averaging 43 yards per punt a year ago. Placekicker Michael Badgley made 25 of 30 field goals in 2015.
Corn Elder, Braxton Berrios, and Stacey Coley are the ones to watch in the return game. Elder scored touchdowns on both kick and punt returns last season.
