Miami Hurricanes Week 6 Preview: California Golden Bears

Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes escaped by the skin of their teeth last Friday and now have a late-night date with the Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. The wild finish to open conference play served as both a learning experience and a wake-up call for a program that looked like they were caught unaware. Miami now focuses on the West Coast contest against a former PAC-12 unit that has allowed the least points and the third-fewest yards in the ACC.

Make sure your 📲 is ready for the trip out to California 🙌#GoCanes | #WallpaperWednesday pic.twitter.com/a4hjCZlwxa

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 2, 2024

Checking in at 3-1, Cal’s winning streak ended last week at Florida State losing to the lowly Seminoles 14-9 without scoring a touchdown. Before the loss, the Golden Bears notable victories were over San Diego State 31-10 and Auburn 21-14. Welcome to the trap game! In the preseason preview, this was one of the games that worried me. However, after the near upset versus Virginia Tech, the Cardiac Canes should be honed in on taking care of business. They are boosted by the welcome news of Rueben Bain Jr’s return and aim to hit the upcoming bye week a perfect 6-0.

California Golden Bears

Fernando Mendoza

That Nando to Nyziah connection 🤌@nyziahHunter3 gets his fourth TD reception of the season on a 15-yd pass from @qb_fernando

📺 @espn
📲 https://t.co/B8514ZJVO1#GoBears | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/4Jmn2OrBHK

— Cal Football (@CalFootball) September 15, 2024

Born right here in Miami, Fernando Mendoza attended Columbus High School and grew up a Hurricanes fan. In addition, former UM coach Manny Diaz once considered adding Mendonza to the team as a walk-on. Mendoza has also been reported to have looked up to former Canes QB Brad Kaaya. Although he failed to find the endzone against Florida State, the redshirt sophomore has recorded 892 yards this season including five touchdowns and two interceptions. The U is his toughest opponent on the schedule.

Teddye Buchanan

𝘼𝘾𝘾 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠 ➤ @TeddyeBuchanan #GoBears | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/WhDQcjEpg0

— Cal Football (@CalFootball) September 9, 2024

The linebacker leads the team with 40 tackles including 18 solo notching 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Teddye Buchanan is a transfer from UC Davis participating in 36 games aiding the Aggies to four winning seasons. After producing a career-high 11 tackles consisting of two sacks and already mentioned fumble, the senior was named ACC Lineman of the Week on September 9 acknowledging his performance at Auburn. He matched his career-high of 11 tackles against SDSU the following weekend. His presence will be critical versus Miami.

Nohl Williams

NOHL!! WILLIAMS!!

Second INT of the day for @NohlWilliams#GoBears | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/krupspm2Yt

— Cal Football (@CalFootball) September 7, 2024

Sticking to the defense we now look to defensive back Nohl Williams. For 2024 Williams has collected four interceptions to complement three pass breakups and 12 tackles, nine of those solo. The fifth-year senior represents an obstacle to UM’s air raid. Cam Ward needs to tread lightly for a lurking Nohl can spell the end of any promising march down the field. Curiously Williams didn’t acquire a pick against the Seminoles, however, that’s because of their atrocious passing game. Don’t be surprised if the DB manages an INT.

Miami Hurricanes

Reuben Bain Jr.

Freshman Leader in QB Pressures this season:

🙌 Reuben Bain Jr, Miami: 42 pic.twitter.com/vZl551iCzP

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 7, 2023

I’ve been waiting on his return for some time now. Initially expected back perhaps at USF or Virginia Tech, the Bain Train was sorely missed. The 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year’s presence is a boon to the defense and will be a difference-maker in the coming contests. For a refresher, Bain dominated as a true freshman racking up 44 tackles including 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He went down on the first drive against Florida due to a soft tissue injury and hasn’t played since. That changes now.

Jalen Rivers

Jalen Rivers 😤🔥🔥 #GoCanes #TheU 🙌🏾🟧🟩 pic.twitter.com/ApkTuvQvv5

— Chalupa Batman (@CoreyCarmona) August 5, 2023

The Miami Hurricanes might also get Jalen Rivers. Coach Mario Cristobal announced earlier this week that Rivers will be a game-time decision. Unlike his teammate, the fifth-year junior played the whole game but hasn’t returned since the season opener. The injury was never disclosed. Rivers reinforces an offensive line that’s held steady through five games. Markel Bell started the last four games in Jalen’s absence.

Elijah Arroyo

Highest Graded Tight Ends This Season🔥 pic.twitter.com/2i2CPMnVeQ

— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 3, 2024

I love it when the Canes involve their tight ends. Even though Elijah Arroyo only recorded two catches for 88 yards they were consequential since one of those receptions resulted in a trip to the endzone. By design, his presence was needed in another equally important role for the second half. Arroyo’s athleticism and great hands give Ward more options to the passing. To date, Arroyo has 11 receptions for 272 yards and three TDs.

Prediction

Cal is looking for validation in the ACC and a juicy win over the Canes would serve such a purpose. The Golden Bears have a respectable defense, however, the offense is rated among the bottom half of the conference. Some folks have pointed out UM’s recent struggles against the rush as a concern due to California’s ground game. With all due respect to the opposition, they do not have a Bhayshul Tuten running for them. UM wins 34-17.