1. Contain Thomas Sirk
Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk, once a goal line only option, has evolved into the focal point of the Blue Devil offense. He does it all for Duke, leading the team in both passing and rushing yards. Standing at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, the junior is accurate through the air and a bruiser on the ground. If Miami stops Sirk, Miami stops Duke. It will truly take a group effort on defense to do so.
Miami’s already thin linebacker group will have to be extremely prepared to handle Sirk’s short passing game (6.7 yards per attempt) and his ability to run the ball.