Game Preview: No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs No. 14 Miami Hurricanes
By Matt Melton
Miami Hurricanes Players to Watch
QB D’Eriq King
After transferring to Miami from Houston last season, King enjoyed a strong 2020 season accounting for 3,000+ total yards and 27 total touchdowns. A dual-threat quarterback, King’s success running the ball, or lack there-of, could play a massive role in this game.
S Bubba Bolden
By-far the Hurricanes leading tackler in 2020, Bolden returns after totaling 74 combined tackles a year ago. One of the top safeties in the country, Bolden you could argue is by-far Miami’s top player on defense.
RB Cam’Ron Harris
Harris led the Hurricanes in rushing a season ago totaling 643 yards and 10 touchdowns on 126 carries. While King led the team in carries a season ago, Harris is the top rushing threat for the Hurricanes.
WR Charleston Rambo
Rambo transferred to Miami from Oklahoma in the offseason after totaling over 1,000+ receiving yards and nine touchdowns in three seasons with the Sooners. Rambo will primarily line-up outside, and is a player that Alabama has already seen once before.
LB Amari Carter
Carter makes the move from safety to linebacker after finishing tied-second on the team with 53 tackles a season ago. A versatile athlete, expect Carter to play all-over the field for the Hurricanes defense.
WR Mike Harley
By-far Miami’s top receiver from a year ago was Harley who hauled in 57 passes for a total of 799 yards and seven touchdowns. Harley will line-up in the slot mainly, and is the primary target for King.
CB Te’Corey Couch
Miami will likely use three-to-four cornerbacks with Couch as arguably the top option. Couch led all Miami corners a season ago with 37 total tackles, as well as second with six passes defensed.
S Gurvan Hall
Hall will likely start at safety alongside Bolden. An experienced player in Miami’s secondary, Hall totaled 43 tackles and three passes defensed a year ago.
CB Tyrique Stevenson
Another player that Alabama may be familiar with is Stevenson, who transferred to Miami from Georgia in the offseason. Totaling 34 tackles with the Bulldogs a year ago, Stevenson will likely rotate in-and-out in Miami’s secondary.
DT Nesta Jade Silvera
Miami will have to replace notable production on the defensive line, in particular at edge rusher, but one notable return is Silvera. After totaling 35 tackles and one sack a year ago, Silvera will rotate often with two others (Jon Ford and Jared Harrison-Hunte) at defensive tackle.