CORAL GABLES – Let’s get this out the way now.
Travis Homer has cemented himself as Miami’s starting running back for the foreseeable future. The junior and Doak Campbell Watch List nominee proved himself last season in more ways than one, as he racked up 1,203 all-purpose yards (966 rushing yards on 163 attempts; 5.9 yards per carry; eight rushing touchdowns; three 100-yard games in 13 games of action) and a second team All-ACC selection.
With that said, his focus right now is on one thing only. It’s all about LSU at AT&T Stadium in Dallas this weekend.
“It’s exciting to be able to play a SEC team after just playing all ACC the entire season last year,” Homer said to media members in yesterday’s group interview session. “We finally get to switch it up and get on the other side.”
Homer said he’s been studying on LSU’s front seven.
“I’ve watched some film,” he said. “I’ve seen that they are fast and physical. I’ve seen that they are strong, and they’re going to keep fighting no matter what. They have a great defense. The scouts are really giving us a great look of bringing that physicality and speed.”
Homer also said he’s confident that Miami’s offensive line will hold their own against LSU’s defensive line. He believes the team’s all-important – and most scrutinized – unit has improved from last season.
“I think they’re doing great,” he said. “They are a lot faster and stronger, so they are able to open up the holes quick and keep them open.”
Miami (10-3 last season; No. 8; AP Preseason Poll) is a 3.5-point favorite to win its season opener over LSU (9-4 last season; No. 25; AP Preseason Poll), according to cbssports.com and a host of sports betting outlets. But Homer would rather go into this game with a humble yet hungry mindset.
“I think they (the fans and viewers at-large) are going to be shocked by what we have to bring to the table because of the way our offense has been playing and just the physicality of our defense,” he said. “Everyone is going to say we have something to prove, but I know I’m just going to believe in our team. We don’t pay too much attention to the outside noise.”
Miami’s game against LSU (Advocare Kickoff Classic in Arlington, Texas) will be held on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). It will be nationally televised on ESPN.
