Miami star RB Duke Johnson has over 1,800 yards from scrimmage for the Hurricanes this season.
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Miami star RB Duke Johnson leads the Hurricanes against Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl.
The Hurricanes started the season 6-3 but are now riding a 3-game losing streak, hence their 6-6 overall record. In that span the defense has allowed 30 points or more in each game. The offense has been very formidable though, and the key to the attack has been RB Duke Johnson, who has over 7.0 yards per touch, 13 total TDs and over 1,800 yards between his rushing and receiving. QB Brad Kaaya has been a playmaker as well, scoring 25 TDs through the air. The key to stopping the Hurricanes will be to keep them off the field with long scoring drives and shut down the run early to force Kaaya to pass.
South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks have been one of the big disappointments of 2014. After starting the season very high in the AP rankings, the team lost four of five games in the middle of the season, falling off the map in the process. QB Dylan Thompson leads the SEC conference in passing yards and completions, while tying Bo Wallace for 2nd in TD passes. His main target has been WR Pharaoh Cooper, who is 2nd in the SEC in receiving yards. The key to beating the Gamecocks will be keeping the ball out of Thompson’s hands and blanketing Cooper all day.
Prediction: Miami Hurricanes win the Independence Bowl – Going with the upset pick by saying that the Hurricanes rushing attack proves too formidable for South Carolina’s defense and that Brad Kaaya makes just enough of the big plays to keep Miami ahead for key portions of the game.
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