Miami looked like a legitimate national championship contender in its opener against Stanford. Tonight’s game against Florida A&M shouldn’t be close, but there are still several things worth watching.
1. Can Darian Mensah do it again?
Mensah was damn near perfect in his Miami debut, completing 27 of 30 passes for 401 yards and five touchdowns. He has already jumped into the center of the Heisman conversation. Tonight isn’t about whether he can put up another huge number—it’s about maintaining that same command, accuracy and decision-making before Mario Cristobal gets him out of the game. Reuters
2. What does Malachi Toney do for an encore?
Toney caught 12 passes for a school-record 234 yards and three touchdowns against Stanford. Florida A&M will know exactly where he is on every snap, but knowing where he is and stopping him are two entirely different things. If Miami wants to build a legitimate Heisman campaign for Toney, this is another opportunity to let him make a few explosive plays before shutting him down for the night.
3. Miami needs to establish the ground game
The passing game was spectacular against Stanford, but Miami cannot become completely dependent on Mensah and Toney. Mark Fletcher Jr. led the Hurricanes with only 40 rushing yards. Tonight should be about getting Fletcher and the rest of that running back room rolling behind an offensive line that ought to control the line of scrimmage. Miami is going to need balance once the schedule gets tougher.
4. How does Florida A&M respond without Isaiah Knowles?
Florida A&M’s challenge became even greater when starting quarterback Isaiah Knowles was lost for the season with a broken thumb. The Rattlers beat Albany State 20–7 in their opener, but now they must take a new quarterback into Hard Rock Stadium against one of the most talented defenses in the country. Miami should attack him early, create pressure and force him into mistakes. WCTV
5. Can Miami dominate without getting sloppy?
This is the kind of game where superior teams sometimes lose concentration. I want to see Miami start fast, avoid turnovers and penalties, dominate both lines of scrimmage and get the starters off the field early. There is no reason for Mensah, Toney or any other major contributor to be playing deep into the second half.
This game isn’t about whether Miami wins. The Hurricanes should win comfortably. It’s about whether they handle their business like a mature football team with national championship expectations.
