The middle of Miami’s defense has been gutted by injuries at the worst possible time, considering the Hurricanes’ critical ACC Coastal Division showdown with Georgia Tech on Saturday.
That means UM’s defense must stop Calvin Johnson, the nation’s best receiver, the ACC’s second-best rushing attack (169 yards per game), and Reggie Ball, a dual-threat quarterback — which usually causes UM troubles — without two of its starting linebackers.
MLB Romeo Davis suspects he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on the first snap of last Saturday’s Duke win, and will likely miss the rest of the season. Weakside LB Jon Beason has been sidelined a little more than a week with a sprained medial collateral ligament to his left knee, and is doubtful against the Yellow Jackets.
Phillips gets honor
S Kenny Phillips was named the ACC’s defensive back of the week for the three interceptions he pulled in against the Blue Devils.
The sophomore leads UM with 50 tackles, and his four interceptions are tied with Virginia’s Marcus Hamilton for second best in the conference.
UM’s four interceptions against Duke brought the season total to nine and made the Hurricanes the ACC’s leader in turnover margin with a plus-eight ratio.
