College football expert Josh Pate has raised concerns regarding the upcoming Week 10 clash between the Miami Hurricanes and the SMU Mustangs. The game, which takes place in Dallas, poses a significant upset alert for Miami, currently ranked in the top 10. Pate points out that this contest will be Miami’s first game outside Florida this season, and the weather conditions in Dallas differ markedly from their usual environment in South Florida.
Key Factors for Potential Upset
Pate highlighted several elements that could contribute to an unexpected outcome:
- SMU’s aggressive defensive strategy
- Miami’s inexperience in away games this season
- Cooler Texas weather conditions
- SMU’s motivation following a recent loss
Matchup Analysis
Miami enters the game as a favorite, boasting a considerable point spread. However, Pate’s insights suggest a cautious approach. The Mustangs are eager to turn around their spirits after a narrow defeat to Wake Forest. Pate believes this is an ideal scenario for SMU to bounce back, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of college football.
Player Highlights
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings has had a standout season, accumulating 2,119 passing yards, along with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. On the other side, Miami quarterback Carson Beck is approaching a career milestone, nearing 10,000 total offensive yards. Pate noted that if SMU can disrupt Beck’s game and Miami struggles to establish its running game, an upset could very well occur.
Coaching Insights
SMU’s head coach, Rhett Lashlee, who previously held the offensive coordinator position at Miami, praised the Hurricanes for their formidable defense. Miami leads the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in points allowed and is ranked 11th nationally for total defense.
The match is scheduled for Saturday at noon ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. As Miami attempts to maintain its playoff aspirations following a prior loss to Louisville, the stakes are high for both teams in this intriguing matchup.
