Miami/ND analysis-prediction

[Hstokes1447]

Can someone provide me a pep talk about our inexperience at WR? Thanks

Miami has the second most returning snaps played and production in the ACC.

• CJ Daniels RSR, 2,257 snaps, 2,439 receiving yards, 21 touchdowns
• Keelan Marion 7th year SR, 1,517 snaps, 1,125 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns
• Tony Johnson RSR, 1,491 snaps, 1,118 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns
• JoJo Trader SO, 99 snaps, 91 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

 

[scrantoncane]

I will give it a shot both ways, for fun.

QB - Miami with a moderate advantage. Beck is proven and seems to be slept on a bit. Carr is going to be really good, but this is his first start in a hostile environment. Interesting that Miami doesn't think he is mobile, though.

RB - ND with a moderate advantage. ND has the best and deepest room in the country, but Miami's is also very good.

OL - Push. IMO, two of the four top groups in the country.

WR- ND with moderate advantage. I think Miami will eventually be very good. They are just super young. This, IMO, could be ND's best receiving core since...shoot, possibly ever. 2018 would be close.

TE - Push. I think Lofton and Rairdon can both make plays and are very good. Miami's room is likely deeper.

DE - Miami with a slight advantage. I think Bain is the best player on Miami's team and is awfully good. Messidor could be an issue also. ND could eventually be right there, but they are like Miami's WR, awfully young. ND is deeper. They can run out 6 quality DE's.

DT - Push. Interesting that this is quite possibly the position that could decide the game. Both teams have some very nice potential, but largely unproven in this scenario.

LB - ND with the significant advantage. ND has one of the best rooms in the nation. Miami has the kid from Rutgers that is very good. I think ND might be able to take advantage of this group with their backs.

CB - ND with the moderate advantage. ND arguably has the best CB tandem in the country. Miami's should be much improved. Frederique was sensational last year, and Lucas should be solid also.

S- ND with the significant advantage. I think this is arguably Miami's weakest position group. ND is loaded here. I think ND will be one of the top groups in the country again.

K - Push. Both seem to scare their respective fan bases.

P- Miami with a significant advantage. Whoever they put out there will be better. ND's punter is brutal.

OC - ND with the slight advantage. In the OC ratings I saw, Denbrock was first and Shannon was third in the nation.

DC - Push. Both guys with a lot to prove.

Head Coach - ND significant advantage. At this stage you would have to go with Coach Freeman.

This game will come down to who can stop the run and limit turnovers. It should be a fun one.

I just saw the Irish Illustrated guy said ND has 5 backups/rotation guys at DT, but no game changers. Caused quite a stir on the message boards.

Based on that (and that alone), I’d give the edge to UM there.

 

[NDfan]

I just saw the Irish Illustrated guy said ND has 5 backups/rotation guys at DT, but no game changers. Caused quite a stir on the message boards.

Based on that (and that alone), I’d give the edge to UM there.

I think ND has the overall roster edge. However, Miami has the edge in 3 incredibly important areas, IMO. Their running game vs. Our D line, Their QB being as good as it gets in a clean pocket, again high chance of that with the o line, and the Miami crowd at hard rock. That 2017 Miami crowd was not the same as the Aggie crowd last year. This game will likely be a 4 quarter battle.

 

[canecrazy23]

I will give it a shot both ways, for fun.

QB - Miami with a moderate advantage. Beck is proven and seems to be slept on a bit. Carr is going to be really good, but this is his first start in a hostile environment. Interesting that Miami doesn't think he is mobile, though.


TE - Push. I think Lofton and Rairdon can both make plays and are very good. Miami's room is likely deeper.

DE - Miami with a slight advantage. I think Bain is the best player on Miami's team and is awfully good. Messidor could be an issue also. ND could eventually be right there, but they are like Miami's WR, awfully young. ND is deeper. They can run out 6 quality DE's.

QB- Miami has a Huge advantage. One guy played bigtime football and the other has never played a snap. Carr is not in Becks league.

TE- Huge advantage Miami. We go 4to5 deep here with two guys being really good.

DE - UM goes 7 deep with 3 5star kids and the best player on either line in Bain.

Our OL is also deeper with you guys losing your starting guard.

 

[scrantoncane]

I think ND has the overall roster edge. However, Miami has the edge in 3 incredibly important areas, IMO. Their running game vs. Our D line, Their QB being as good as it gets in a clean pocket, again high chance of that with the o line, and the Miami crowd at hard rock. That 2017 Miami crowd was not the same as the Aggie crowd last year. This game will likely be a 4 quarter battle.

I was asking about the DT position specifically. The 247 mods don’t seem to be as high on the DTs as you are.

 

[Tempest]

I think ND has the overall roster edge. However, Miami has the edge in 3 incredibly important areas, IMO. Their running game vs. Our D line, Their QB being as good as it gets in a clean pocket, again high chance of that with the o line, and the Miami crowd at hard rock. That 2017 Miami crowd was not the same as the Aggie crowd last year. This game will likely be a 4 quarter battle.

No doubt about it. This will be a big step up in terms of hostility for ND compared to A&M last year.

 

[Swampcity]

Unlike the 2017 matchup, this matchup I believe has more irrational variables being discussed negatively against Miami compared to 2017.

The idea that a healthy Carson Beck is somehow lesser of an option than Carr and some other QBs mentioned is laughable. On resume: he is the most experienced and solidified big game QB left in CFB this year. His down years was Levitt/Nussmeier/Sellers best seasons. There isnt a single QB who faced the level of opposition Beck has faced the last 3 years from practice to games.

The reality is on paper these teams are highly identical in how they’ll approach this year and the position by position is a wash.

In my humble opinion, ND has the advantage at:

RB (A+ to Miami A-)
DB (A to Miami A-)
LB (A to Miami B+)
Head coaching.

Miami has the advantage at:
QB (A to likely B)
OL (A+ to A)
DL (A- to B+).

The deciding factors for the game to me are:

Can Greathouse and ND WRs help Carr and can Miami DL get pressure on Carr.

The last great X-factor is Mario. This is his chance to show where he is as a coach and the program is. Miami doesn’t NEED a win, but this game will likely show how we perform this year and whether or not we’ll get to that next level in the immediate future. I think a win here means Miami charges towards 11-1/12-0 and a date in Charlotte. I don’t see Miami winning this game and losing any if not one.

A loss will be a barometer test showing we aren’t “there.” The likelihood is whatever fails us on 8/31 will fail us again during the season.

I think Miami has far more at stake and I don’t see ND with any generational players that can tip the scale dramatically in their favor this night.

If Miami new DC/players are what they are billed, I expect them to really turn up the heat inspired by a Rabid Hard Rock crowd that’s been waiting for this moment. I don’t see Miami losing because they don’t have a choice but to win as far as perception. This is the moment. Miami in 2025 I expect will mimick the 98 Tennessee Vols in that they lose the 1st pick at QB but are sneakily more balance and excel more the following season with an experience guy. (Tee Martin-Carson Beck).

Miami will win 27-17. A late game INT from the new portal additions will seal ND faith as they drive to tie and maybe win in Hard rock and it comes up short.

This is the Canes moment.

Well stated.

This game as are most games, will come down to turnovers. If we win the turnover battle, we win!

 

[Swampcity]

I am pulling hard for Mario. This game undoubtedly gives him a chance to upgrade his coaching credentials.

 

[Damiencane86]

Qb we have major advantage and need to exploit that. Trenches are essentially even. Both teams wr's vs the opposing secondaries will be a key, whichever wr units perform better might tilt the game. The rest like many big games with evenly matched opponents can come down to coaching, penalties, and special teams.

 

[NDfan]

I was asking about the DT position specifically. The 247 mods don’t seem to be as high on the DTs as you are.

That's in we shall see category for me. These are essentially the same guys that ND rode through the playoffs. Mills was good, but went down with a knee against IU. Cross was just hurt all season and couldn't give as much unfortunately. Rubio and Hinish were pretty solid in the playoffs and as rotational players through the year. I am excited to see what Jason Onye can do. He left the team last year for personal reasons. He reminds me of what you guys have with Scott and Blay. Could be really tough, but we shall see. He is about as ripped as a 310 pound kid can be. Freeman said that he has has the best camp as he has seen in his 4 years. They added Jared Dawson, who was supposed to be solid at Louisville. Their young guys are a year older. Picked up a USC depth piece transfer. DT could be good, but it is easily the biggest question mark on the defense currently. Similar to how I see Miami's situation really.

 

[section9]

That's in we shall see category for me. These are essentially the same guys that ND rode through the playoffs. Mills was good, but went down with a knee against IU. Cross was just hurt all season and couldn't give as much unfortunately. Rubio and Hinish were pretty solid in the playoffs and as rotational players through the year. I am excited to see what Jason Onye can do. He left the team last year for personal reasons. He reminds me of what you guys have with Scott and Blay. Could be really tough, but we shall see. He is about as ripped as a 310 pound kid can be. Freeman said that he has has the best camp as he has seen in his 4 years. They added Jared Dawson, who was supposed to be solid at Louisville. Their young guys are a year older. Picked up a USC depth piece transfer. DT could be good, but it is easily the biggest question mark on the defense currently. Similar to how I see Miami's situation really.

One of the advantages Freeman has had over time, as someone pointed out upthread, is that Kelly, for all his drawbacks, left Marcus Freeman with a reasonably full cupboard.

Mario arrived here from Oregon with a dumpster fire in progress and had to put it out. Middle Tennessee State isn't happening in South Bend. People forget that the previous year, UNC put something like 67 points on Manny's team here at Hard Rock. It was like Al Golden's last year before Dabo and Clemson ran him out of town.

Cristobal has basically had to conduct a Stalin Purge to do here what Saban did at Alabama, which is his model. The shirkers and guys who were here to back into an NIL check are gone. Some of the good talent who weren't quite comfortable with the Cristobal Way went to play for Rhett Lashlee at Mini-Me Canes U over in Dallas (also known as SMU).

The odd thing is, unlike the Catholics vs. Convicts era of the Holtz vs. Jimmy days, the two teams are almost mirror images of each other, save for the talent gap at QB and possibly at RB (for all of Love's prowess, I'd say the two running back rooms have a lot more in common than the National Press is willing to admit).

This will be a close game, but I think the talent gap at QB will tell the tale. Carr will MUCH more dangerous later in the year in the Postseason, which is why Freeman selected him.

I think Miami will win by 3-7, but ND is NOT a team I would like to see later in the year in the playoff rounds. I'd much rather Bama or OSU take care of you guys. Unlike a lot of the people on this board, I think we will meet a second time this year on a Neutral Field. Unfortunately for Miami fans, Notre Dame fans travel well.

 

[clg003]

I will give it a shot both ways, for fun.

QB - Miami with a moderate advantage. Beck is proven and seems to be slept on a bit. Carr is going to be really good, but this is his first start in a hostile environment. Interesting that Miami doesn't think he is mobile, though.

RB - ND with a moderate advantage. ND has the best and deepest room in the country, but Miami's is also very good.

OL - Push. IMO, two of the four top groups in the country.

WR- ND with moderate advantage. I think Miami will eventually be very good. They are just super young. This, IMO, could be ND's best receiving core since...shoot, possibly ever. 2018 would be close.

TE - Push. I think Lofton and Rairdon can both make plays and are very good. Miami's room is likely deeper.

DE - Miami with a slight advantage. I think Bain is the best player on Miami's team and is awfully good. Messidor could be an issue also. ND could eventually be right there, but they are like Miami's WR, awfully young. ND is deeper. They can run out 6 quality DE's.

DT - Push. Interesting that this is quite possibly the position that could decide the game. Both teams have some very nice potential, but largely unproven in this scenario.

LB - ND with the significant advantage. ND has one of the best rooms in the nation. Miami has the kid from Rutgers that is very good. I think ND might be able to take advantage of this group with their backs.

CB - ND with the moderate advantage. ND arguably has the best CB tandem in the country. Miami's should be much improved. Frederique was sensational last year, and Lucas should be solid also.

S- ND with the significant advantage. I think this is arguably Miami's weakest position group. ND is loaded here. I think ND will be one of the top groups in the country again.

K - Push. Both seem to scare their respective fan bases.

P- Miami with a significant advantage. Whoever they put out there will be better. ND's punter is brutal.

OC - ND with the slight advantage. In the OC ratings I saw, Denbrock was first and Shannon was third in the nation.

DC - Push. Both guys with a lot to prove.

Head Coach - ND significant advantage. At this stage you would have to go with Coach Freeman.

This game will come down to who can stop the run and limit turnovers. It should be a fun one.

a no experienced qb on the road in as hostile of an environment he will ever see vs the guy who was slotted to be the number 1 pick in the draft a year ago this time… lol… ain’t no moderate advantage… it literally couldn’t be a bigger advantage. Beck will absolutely eat in Dawson’s offense. Carr barely won the starting gig. This kid ain’t going to come out in an hostile crowd and shine. Notre dame will struggle on O like they did at times last year. Won’t score 20.

 

[QuattroCane]

I'm very interested in seeing Freeman and his massive coaching prowess. What has he done that has garnered such accolades? Who was the coach when they played at home vs NIU?
He's clearly one of those guys that people love to love for some odd reason.

//and don't start with Mario, this is not about him.

 

[QuattroCane]

a no experienced qb on the road in as hostile of an environment he will ever see vs the guy who was slotted to be the number 1 pick in the draft a year ago this time… lol… ain’t no moderate advantage… it literally couldn’t be a bigger advantage. Beck will absolutely eat in Dawson’s offense. Carr barely won the starting gig. This kid ain’t going to come out in an hostile crowd and shine. Notre dame will struggle on O like they did at times last year. Won’t score 20.

Miami wins this by a little if we get '24 Beck and a lot if we get '23 Beck. ND is overhyped.

 

[clg003]

Miami wins this by a little if we get '24 Beck and a lot if we get '23 Beck. ND is overhyped.

Beck has his 23 weapons and his 23 line. It wasn’t Beck that pushed them back last year.

 

[canefan96]

ND will do nothing but run the ball and throw short passes to the backs.
If they do go downfield, they love the TE’s.
That’s a lot of pressure for our LB’s, that’s a concern as that position group is weak.
Then there’s game day coaching ………
No comment here.

If we can shutdown the run, playing at Home, we will Win.

 

[CanesFan93]

I really hope its as easy as some of y'all think. There's too many new moving parts for me to be overly confident. Per usual, I'll stay in wait and see mode.

 

[Nmiamicane630]

Unlike the 2017 matchup, this matchup I believe has more irrational variables being discussed negatively against Miami compared to 2017.

The idea that a healthy Carson Beck is somehow lesser of an option than Carr and some other QBs mentioned is laughable. On resume: he is the most experienced and solidified big game QB left in CFB this year. His down years was Levitt/Nussmeier/Sellers best seasons. There isnt a single QB who faced the level of opposition Beck has faced the last 3 years from practice to games.

The reality is on paper these teams are highly identical in how they’ll approach this year and the position by position is a wash.

In my humble opinion, ND has the advantage at:

RB (A+ to Miami A-)
DB (A to Miami A-)
LB (A to Miami B+)
Head coaching.

Miami has the advantage at:
QB (A to likely B)
OL (A+ to A)
DL (A- to B+).

The deciding factors for the game to me are:

Can Greathouse and ND WRs help Carr and can Miami DL get pressure on Carr.

The last great X-factor is Mario. This is his chance to show where he is as a coach and the program is. Miami doesn’t NEED a win, but this game will likely show how we perform this year and whether or not we’ll get to that next level in the immediate future. I think a win here means Miami charges towards 11-1/12-0 and a date in Charlotte. I don’t see Miami winning this game and losing any if not one.

A loss will be a barometer test showing we aren’t “there.” The likelihood is whatever fails us on 8/31 will fail us again during the season.

I think Miami has far more at stake and I don’t see ND with any generational players that can tip the scale dramatically in their favor this night.

If Miami new DC/players are what they are billed, I expect them to really turn up the heat inspired by a Rabid Hard Rock crowd that’s been waiting for this moment. I don’t see Miami losing because they don’t have a choice but to win as far as perception. This is the moment. Miami in 2025 I expect will mimick the 98 Tennessee Vols in that they lose the 1st pick at QB but are sneakily more balance and excel more the following season with an experience guy. (Tee Martin-Carson Beck).

Miami will win 27-17. A late game INT from the new portal additions will seal ND faith as they drive to tie and maybe win in Hard rock and it comes up short.

This is the Canes moment.

How can we even call Carr a B at this point....

 

[NDfan]

How can we even call Carr a B

I hear you. He is more like a ? At this point. I do think he is more in the Clausen and Brady Quinn mold than we have had in a while. He has the potential to be very good. People close to the program have said it is in him to be the #1 pick overall some day. That being said, it is game 1 at Miami, not someday. I do believe Denbrock is good enough to put him in positions to succeed. I can see a conservative game plan. Although Marcus in not conservative at all! Love his style. He is extremely aggressive. Will be fun to watch. Tons of unknowns.

 

[QuattroCane]

I really hope its as easy as some of y'all think. There's too many new moving parts for me to be overly confident. Per usual, I'll stay in wait and see mode.

At some point, you have to stop being scared. I'm not "overly" confident, but as I've said before, if the situations were reversed, everyone would be saying we were going to get blown out.