December 22, 2024

Miami Hurricanes Week 13 Preview: Wake Forest

Gabriel Garcia November 21, 2024 5 min read
Miami Hurricanes Wake Forest

Photo by Danis Sosa

Miami, Florida – The eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes return from their second bye week with a home finale matchup versus Wake Forest. After their painful loss to Georgia Tech, the Cardiac Canes know there is little room for error regarding their CFP hopes. UM will likely have to win out through the ACC Championship for a shot at the postseason. Otherwise, the program will be at the mercy of a committee that scrutinizes their strength of schedule.

The final home game of the 2024 season will be bittersweet. On Senior Day Saturday, the Hurricanes will honor 27 players, including a small group who have been with the program since freshman year. Xavier Restrepo, Andres Borregales, and Jacolby George spent their entire college careers at Coral Gables, experiencing the highs and lows that involved a coaching change from Manny Diaz to Mario Cristobal. This will also be the last time fans will see Cam Ward in a Canes uniform at Hardrock Stadium. Although he was here a year, the Heisman hopeful has left a lasting impact etching himself in the annals of Hurricanes football history.

The Demon Deacons roll in with a 4-6 (2-4, ACC) record coming off a 31-24 defeat to the North Carolina Tar Heels and have now lost two in a row. Offensively, Wake Forest is a middle-of-the-pack unit with a better passing game. On defense, they have given up the most yards in the entire ACC. Allowing 437.9 yards a game, 281.9 against the pass alone, the Miami Hurricanes should generate plenty of production.

Wake Forest

Hank Bachmeier

Given the weakness of the defense, the focus will be on the Demon Deacons’ offense starting with Hank Bachmeier. Afflicted by a porous O-line, the senior has been sacked 28 times including seven two weeks versus Cal. Although Bachmeier has spent a significant amount of time on the ground, he still managed 2,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, the pressure of getting the ball off also resulted in nine picks. The QB was held to 68 yards last weekend exiting the game early in the third quarter due to a left-shoulder injury. If he can’t go it will be Michael Kern.

Demond Claiborne

Miami’s problem against the rush makes Demond Claiborne the next player to watch. The running back has tallied 919 yards on 189 carries averaging 4.9 yards a play. Claiborne has crossed the centennial mark four times with a 95-yard and two-touchdown performance against UNC. In addition, he has 20 catches for 236 yards and a pair of TDs. If I were the opposition, I’d feed him the ball a lot if the Canes struggle. Don’t even pass.

Taylor Morin

If Wake Forest does decide to air it out, Taylor Morin is the team’s top wide receiver. Morin has recorded 52 receptions for 676 yards and two touchdowns averaging 13 yards a catch. It isn’t much but you never know. Taylor could suddenly have a 100-yard day with a pair of scores. Against UNC he hauled in four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully, the Miami secondary keeps him and the others contained securing the dub. Whatever trouble he causes can always be adjusted for in the second half.

Miami

Xavier Restrepo

I’ve said it before and will repeat it, Xavier Restrepo has been a blessing for the program. X is a classy guy and a role model for his character on and off the field. Restrepo has 186 career receptions and 2,651 receiving yards, both school records. He could also break the record for career touchdown catches, six shy of Michael Irvin’s 26. Given how bad Wake Forest’s defense is there’s a chance at two or even three touchdowns in the home finale.

Andres Borregales

I wish the Hurricanes utilized the best kicker in the country against Georgia Tech. Andres Borregales will certainly see his fair share of kicks this weekend in front of a home crowd for the last time. Andy became the starting kicker as a true freshman and like his brother, Jose Borregales, has been a highly reliable player for The U learning to excel under pressure. Borregales is a perfect 48-for-48 in point after attempts and 13 of 14 in field goals. Perhaps he’ll win the Lou Groza Award this year, Jose did back in 2020 and is the only Cane to do so.

Cam Ward

The leader of the Hurricanes wants a college football championship but Cam Ward I think also wants the Heisman. The way people compared him to his peers during the bye week was pretty wild. Wake Forest is an opportunity for Ward to light up his opponents and redirect the current conversation toward himself. I foresee big numbers and big plays with his go-to guy Xavier Restrepo greatly involved.

Prediction

I imagine the Miami Hurricanes are angry and determined. Once more UM is heavily favored, however, we all know how that turned out. The Cardiac Canes won’t make that mistake twice in a row and will take care of business winning for the final time at the Hardrock 41-17 with the seniors performing one last hurrah.

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