On3's Andy Staples joined by ACC Network's Roddy Jones to break down Miami: "Should be a team that’s flirting with double digit wins"
ACC Network Analyst Roddy Jones joined On3’s Andy Staples to discuss Miami, and the conversation kicked off with a simple sentence that probably resonates for most Hurricanes fans: “I can never accurately predict Miami,” Staples said.
Jones’ response?
“It’s impossible, you can’t do it,” he said.
Staples said he thinks this year’s Miami team is more talented than last year, led by a more developed offensive line and guys that were added on the defensive front.
“If they can figure out the operational stuff, the communication on the coaching staff to make sure that the fatal flaws, a massive mistake doesn’t happen (that would make a difference),” Jones said. “The Georgia Tech game (not taking a knee at the end and losing after a fumble) was a big one, but multiple games where they go into the locker room with three timeouts at the end of the half, end of the game.
“They can do that, they’ll get out of the way of showing how much that roster is improved from a talent standpoint.”
Jones says he agrees with Staples that the OL and DL are improved.
“The Florida State game for most of the first half the (Miami) offensive line did a really, really good job against the Florida State defensive line,” he said. “If they are able to replace Matt Lee, the excellent job they did recruiting on the offensive line should be able to show.”
He added that the addition of QB Cam Ward will pay dividends.
“He should have more support around him in terms of the run game, the offensive line than he did at Washington State,” Jones said. “And you expect the defense to take a step forward. On that defensive line they have Rueben Bain, who was an absolute monster, should be one of the best players in the league. But the depth they have recruited in the transfer portal around him should improve them.”
A final thought?
“I think Miami should be really good,” Jones said. “I really do. I’ll go out on a limb and say Miami should be a team that’s flirting with double digit wins because you have the quarterback, recruited the offensive line and defensive line, I think their offensive skill should be good enough, their defensive skill should be good enough. The question is can you put it all together? And that’s been the question for the last two decades for Miami.”
