Miami, Florida – The undefeated Miami Hurricanes knocked out Florida State during rivalry week and now host Duke in Week 10 welcoming a familiar face. Although the Canes won on Homecoming Night ending FSU’s chance at a bowl game, there’s another homecoming this Saturday with the return of former UM coach Manny Diaz. After three seasons as the program’s head coach the Miami native spent two years at Penn State becoming the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under James Franklin.

Week 10 Captains 🫡

🎟️: https://t.co/kGspfTzkcI#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/DuvTeuOXQe

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 31, 2024

Diaz’s tenure saw the Nittany Lions’ defense among the best in the country. Manny has also been successful in his first year with the Blue Devils becoming The U’s latest challenge. They have allowed 18.6 points a game, the second-least in the ACC behind California, are the fourth-best in yards allowed with 320.6 yards a game and are also fourth within the conference in sacks accumulating 24. Duke rides in 6-2 (2-2, ACC) licking their wounds from the 28-27 heartbreaker to No. 22 SMU. Although Manny Diaz is at peace and moved on from his firing, he has an opportunity to derail Miami’s season.

Players to watch

Duke

Maalik Murphy

What scares me for the Miami Hurricanes vs. the Duke Blue Devils? Maalik Murphy taking some deep shots against the 'Canes defensive backfield. He's not even good, but he's better than what FSU threw out there and they had wide open WR's vs. Miami. pic.twitter.com/BfVQy6TXrk

— imfb_blog (@IMFB_Blog) October 30, 2024

Say hello to this pocket passer. Maalik Murphy racked up 1,796 yards, 17 TDs, and five picks putting up his best performance this year versus the Mustangs. Murphy threw for 295 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He is Miami’s top priority in stopping a potent pass attack that could keep this game close. Maalik isn’t a scrambler so that’s one bright spot. However, the next individual is someone he will be handing the ball over to frequently.

Star Thomas

The score and the conversion… TIE GAME! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/hD5gJH5FiJ

— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) October 27, 2024

Duke’s running back hit the centennial mark three times this season currently sitting on 681 total yards on 151 carries averaging 4.5 yards a carry. Star Thomas found the endzone five times in 2024 and has done so in the last two games. Thomas isn’t explosive like other opposing backs but there’s always the chance he breaks out given past problems against the rush. If Miami starts to pull away, Star’s relevance will take a back seat to Duke airing it out trying to stay competitive.

Alex Howard

Hitting the film room ahead of our road matchup at Miami 🎥 pic.twitter.com/b2y8gnao6N

— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) October 31, 2024

The linebacker from Cincinnati, Ohio is part of a formidable unit collecting 59 tackles, 29 of those solo, including five sacks. Alex Howard was a presence last weekend against SMU and you can bet the three-star recruit will try to mess up the Cardiac Canes any way he can. A transfer from Youngstown State, Howard was well-regarded inside that program and is seen as one of the anchors in the Duke defense.

Miami Hurricanes

Cam Ward

Except for *1@Cameron7Ward | #HE1SMAN pic.twitter.com/MFkgoAf99x

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 29, 2024

The face of the program didn’t throw any touchdowns but Cam Ward did record a touchdown reception via a trick play with Elijah Arroyo. Completing 22 of 35 passes, Ward added 208 yards to the overall tally. He now sits on 2,746 yards, 24 TDs, and five interceptions. He fell a spot in the Heisman Watchlist Power Rankings, however, the signal-caller is right in the thick of things. Granted, as grateful as he is for the consideration what he’s after is a national championship.

Xavier Restrepo

It was only a matter of time. He deserves it. He's an assassin 🤺 pic.twitter.com/KdqUzYsXov

— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) October 29, 2024

Cam’s go-to also had a quiet night recording four catches for 24 yards. Xavier Restrepo will be needed in the battle with Duke, especially regarding a potentially close game. X can be counted on for both third-down situations and an explosive play. Restrepo has 43 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns for 2024 averaging 16.5 yards a catch. The Blue Devils don’t allow many points but haven’t faced a high-flying offense like this.

Damien Martinez

Damien Martinez says Cam Ward is an elite trash talker 😂 pic.twitter.com/QBKbO0Drhp

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) October 30, 2024

For once, Miami significantly leaned into the rush gaining more yards than the passing game. Damien Martinez played his best ball of the season generating 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns. I was looking for Mark Fletcher to get the bulk of the snaps only for Martinez to show why he is the lead back. Mea culpa. If he can put up an encore performance this will throw Duke’s defense off balance and wear them down chewing up lots of time.

Prediction

We’re past the worst of the schedule and Duke remains a team I believe Miami will beat. However, this will not be a blowout. If Miami stops the Blue Devils’ offense they’ll be fine. Final score: 34-17.