Miami Hurricanes Week 11 Preview: Georgia Tech

Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes have brought their unbeaten streak to Bobby Dodd Stadium in a matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Fourth-ranked UM hopes to exorcise last year’s demons in an era of revenge and score-settling. The Canes have done so with the Gators, Florida State, and Louisville with the chance of reversing Miami Horror Nights Saturday afternoon. That’s if they don’t get stung, again. The Hurricanes represent Georgia Tech’s biggest challenge this season and they know it.

Your captains for Week 11 🙌#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/SP8KmpFuvD

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) November 7, 2024

They were the first to expose Miami last year. A lot has changed since then. Heisman hopeful Cam Ward commands the Cardiac Canes’ offense, which is among the best in the country. However, the high-powered unit is tempered by a highly suspect secondary that fortunately made the adjustments needed for the second half. The availability of a certain quarterback is another wrinkle in a game that could remain competitive throughout.

Georgia Tech

Haynes King

Miami remember Haynes Luther King 😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/cOnMAka29w

— Chef Corry (@CorryAKnowles) August 23, 2024

The Yellow Jackets QB is reported to be a game-time decision for Saturday. He missed the last two games but has a shot of returning versus Miami. If King can’t go it will be Zach Pyron or Aaron Philo. Without Haynes King, the Hurricanes are very likely to run away with it. The last time he faced UM, he threw for 151 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. King also scored on the ground. If he gets the green light there might be some rust to shake off but Miami should know better than to mess around.

Malik Rutherford

I mean, could he get more open?

Malik Rutherford connects with Haynes King to secure Georgia Tech's win over Georgia State 💪@GeorgiaTechFB | @GTAthletics | @cpisecurity | #StingEm 🐝 pic.twitter.com/6BzAzeXDPp

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 1, 2024

Whoever ends up being the starting quarterback will have the hands of Malik Rutherford. Recording 50 catches for 594 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Rutherford caught six for 53 yards in the 21-6 loss to Virginia Tech on October 26th. GT’s ability to hold the Hokies to 21 points should be a cautionary tale for the Hurricanes’ explosive offense. Rutherford’s value will depend on who is throwing the ball. If it’s King, he’ll have a day.

Jamal Haynes

JAMAL HAYNES BREAKS FREE!!!!!!! GEORGIA TECH TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/dptl8QJxug

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 12, 2024

The Yellow Jackets can also be a problem with their rushing game. Jamal Haynes stacked 122 carries for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. Haynes hasn’t had a good game for a while, not since hitting the centennial mark in back-to-back games during the first weeks of October. That can change this weekend. They may lean onto him if King doesn’t start, however, his relevance comes into question in a blowout. Miami does this and Jamal is one less person for them to worry about.

Miami Hurricanes

Isaiah Horton

Isaiah Horton today vs Duke:

6 Receptions
71 Yards
11.8 YPC

WR1 next year? pic.twitter.com/cKZABOdVRa

— HurricanesMuse (@HurricanesMuse) November 2, 2024

The firm WR2 of the Miami Hurricanes, Isaiah Horton has 46 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. An unsung hero of the season, Horton once caught a TD pass in four consecutive games. Isaiah is likely Ward’s next target when Xavier Restrepo isn’t getting looks. Horton is more than capable of making explosive plays to get Miami down the field in a hurry. He also has the hands to pull off tight catches in the endzone. Look for a 60+ yard day and at least a TD.

Andy Borregales

Special teams always plays a big role in the @CanesFootball #FSU rivalry and our guy @Borregales_andy was perfect tonight 3 for 3 on field goals with a long of 45. He joined @DonBaileyJr on the @MiamiHurricanes locker room show. pic.twitter.com/ytnl8VoN8D

— AM 560 Sports WQAM (@560WQAM) October 27, 2024

I remember seeing a fan ask why we were kicking field goals against FSU. People forget why we have Andy Borregales, a near guarantee to come away with some points rather than none when a drive stalls. I wouldn’t have anyone else out there when a game-winning 50+ yard kick is on the line. The Hurricanes may need his leg if Georgia Tech keeps this close. You never know, Borregales could mean the difference between remaining undefeated and getting bounced out of the CFP conversation.

Francisco Mauigoa

Kiko talks about the defense's performance and how pissed they were.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/6r34qgluQX

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 2, 2024

The linebacker is going to be a key to victory. Francisco Mauigoa was asked in last weekend’s post-game conference what went into their adjustments in the second half. In short, Kiko said they played pissed. He was there when Miami lost to GT last year so I’m sure there’s still anger over that embarrassing defeat. His contributions will be huge in advancing Miami’s goal to remain unbeaten.

Prediction

I will go with two potential scores in this one. For a game involving Haynes King the Hurricanes will win 37-24. Without him, Miami runs away with it 45-13. Either way, I expect UM to emerge with the dub. They better. The committee will not be kind to a team lacking big wins and losing to an unranked team like Georgia Tech.