As the Miami Hurricanes put the finishing touches on their last few practices before the season opener, head coach Manny Diaz discussed his expectations for the Florida game on Saturday.
“I know they will be well-prepared, in great condition, will play extremely hard,” Diaz said. “I know we’re well-prepared, very well-conditioned. We need to go play very hard.”
Both teams were known for their defense last season. Does Diaz expect a defensive battle in Orlando?
“Each defense has to re-establish the 2018 version,” Diaz said. “I know there’ll be a paramount on explosive plays and field position… I want to find out `Can we handle adversity?’”
Hurricanes redshirt freshman QB Jarren Williams will be making his first career start on Saturday and Diaz says the team is rallying behind him.
“We’re very confident, the team is very confident in Jarren,” Diaz said.
The Canes had one of their former National Championship winning coaches in attendance for today’s practice, as Jimmy Johnson watched on and gave the team a talk.
“We were like kids in a candy store - the guy has won a national championship and two Super Bowls,” Diaz said. “And the way he can recall stories, he shared a story in the past and we all ate it up.
“He wanted to speak to the team, watch them practice. And he was great. Ironically his message was really on point with what our messaging has been all throughout training camp… I know for me personally, it was hard not to be excited hearing him talk.”
Diaz noted that the No. 2 QB for the Florida game will get most of the reps with the second unit starting with tomorrows practice, but did not reveal who it would be.
coulda fooled me
