Q&A with Canes Warning for the upcoming Duke vs. Miami clash

Sam Jacobs, writer from Canes Warning, and I exchanged questions for Duke vs. Miami. Here’s what Sam had to say.

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Ball Durham: Will the anger and hostility shown in Miami’s game last week carry over to Saturday? (If you aren’t sure of what happened, Miami and Nebraska were participating in all out brawls during the game.)

Canes Warning: In addition to last Saturday, defensive lineman Ufomba Kamalu had a sack against Arkansas State that concluded with him aggressively dropping the quarterback, and I think that sparked the team. Despite this recent chippy play, the track record for Al Golden‘s teams suggest that the hostility will not continue. Tough to predict, though.

BD: What do you expect Duke Johnson to put forth this weekend?

CW: Duke Johnson has played well this season, but we have not seen a dominant performance out of him since last ear. I do not think that changes Saturday. I expect a solid outing, probably close to 150 all-purpose yards on 20-25 touches.

BD: Starting freshmen at quarterback is always a tricky move. In what ways has Kaaya proved himself over Heaps and the rest of the crew?

CW: Well, he did not exactly prove himself over everyone. Ryan Williams, the projected starter, suffered an ACL injury during Spring football. Kevin Olsen, a once highly-touted recruit, had off the field issues. Journeyman transfer Jake Heaps gave Kaaya a run, but the freshman won that particular battle. Despite his path to the starting role, Brad Kaaya has shown flashes of great potential and appears to have a bright future in Miami.

BD: Other than Johnson and Kaaya, who should the Duke defense be worried about containing?

CW: Senior wideout Phillip Dorsett has made a major impact this season. Look for him to catch some deep balls. Stacy Coley has stumbled out of the gate following a stellar freshman year, but keep an eye on him, a speedy and versatile receiver. Also, Kaaya likes to target fellow freshman Braxton Berrios on crucial downs.

BD: What would a win over Duke mean for the Miami team?

CW: The Canes faltered against Louisville in their opener, but a win over Duke would even up their conference record and boost the team morale after following a Nebraska loss. Some fans still view Duke football as a cellar team that Miami should dominate, but the realists understand that a win here is no longer an easy task.

BD: What would a loss to Duke mean for Miami?

CW: After falling to 2-3 (0-2), the Hurricanes’ fans and former players will again take to Twitter and voice their collective dislike toward Al Golden, defensive coordinator Mike D’Onofrio, and complain that they play calling and scheme needs to change. On the field, the hope of finally playing for an ACC Championship probably diminishes and puts the team in quite a hole.

BD: What’s your prediction for Saturday?

CW: Duke 27: Miami: 34. I expect the Blue Devils to run a stampede over the Canes, but the Miami offense to prevail in the end.