Sorry for the delays in the replies.
One question and I don't know if Truth touched on this will be how well the backs help out the oline on passing downs.....Does Mullen dare to spread out and go empty on 3rd and long? Guess it will depend on if the D mans up or shows zone. Franks did alright toward the end of the year when going against man by beating the D with his legs but most of those 3rd downs seemed to be 3rd and less than 6....
I think Mullen may spread out in the quads like he did in Atlanta with a RB out wide. Franks had to big keepers on a 3rd and 4 and 3rd and 7. The 3rd and 4 he took 20 yards for a TD. I do think what the defense is showing will help here. On a side note, I hope to see more QB sneaks on short yardage plays.
As far as backs blocking, Perine will be fine, but I don't remember much about Davis and haven't seen much Pierce in the position of pass blocking. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see some jail break screens to slow down the rush. That is one way the running backs can help the line.
Based on spring, the staff seems to be pushing Tarquin at RT. But he needs to gain the necessary strength to be able to compete. Gouraige is another guy they are looking at but he was a huge disappointment this spring.
Hopefully summer workouts have helped in this area...hopefullly.
Where does Copeland fit in all this? When will he show up?
This is truly the big question of the receivers. If he plays as hyped, this great group just got better. I leave him off when talking because we are so deep currently that it's tough for me to determine how much he sees the field. But could you imagine him and Toney on the field together if he does play as hyped?
My biggest worry on the OL is that they haven't played together as an unit and therefore there could be communication issues.
Miami has a good front 7, but I expect Dan to scheme to help the OL. The positive is they will learn a lot during that game and it will help prepare them for SEC play. I don't think it will cost us the game unless Miami gets pressure on Franks and causes TOs (INTs or Fumbles) and I don't expect that at all.
I have no worries with the WRs. The only possible problem is not enough opportunities, because there is so much talent and only one ball. I think Swain is getting over-looked as he is the most technical of all of them with Jefferson possibly being the exception.
I think the communication issue might be the biggest with the OL when I think about it. I think Miami has a good front seven, but I can't say they were tested much last year (I'll save more for discussing Miami). Swain may be the most technical, but Hammond has the best hands. Saw someone post a drop rate percentage and Hammond lead the SEC with a 0%.
Our OL will be warned how good UM's DL is. They will watch film and pick up UM's tricks and tendencies. Meanwhile, UM has got to fret over our skilled offense. Mullen should be able to scheme around their O and around their D. Perform sharp Gators, make our athletes look tops and our HC a great one to play for. Y'all got center stage TV.
I think we will see things against Miami that we haven't seen before. I do think we may also #failstate this and start with plenty of screens. But like we did years ago against UGA, if our guys can block (like putting Pitts, Krull and co. out there), Toney, Grimes and Swain have the speed to cause perimeter issues. Once the defense cheats to stop it, you hit the exposed middle with either a QB draw or one of the inside powers with a pulling guard.