CLEMSON — Prior to Clemson’s win over California last Friday, there were some who did not know much about the Golden Bears football team. That’s not the case for the Tigers’ next opponent.

Perhaps most everyone knows a thing or two about the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes, who bring a warning into Death Valley that it has not seen in quite some time.

No Clemson team has been a double-digit underdog in Death Valley since 2003 – a game the Tigers won straight up over then No. 3 Florida State. The Seminoles were a 17-point favorite that night.

The Hurricanes (4-0, 2-0 ACC) are 16.5 favorite as of Thursday afternoon. What makes Miami so good and why to I feel this is the best team to come into Death Valley since the 2013 FSU Seminoles.

The three players I highlight below should answer that question.  

Wide receiver Malachi Toney

Toney, in my opinion, is the best player in college football. He can do it all. Miami will line him up in the backfield. He will line up out wide. He will line up in the slot. He will go in motion. He is used in orbit motion. They will pop a pass to him. He can return kicks. He can return punts. The Hurricanes want to put the ball in his hands 15-20 times a game in some capacity. The Miami receiver ranks third nationally with 141.0 receiving yards per game. He already has 34 catches for 564 yards and six TDs this season.

Quarterback Darian Mensah 

In Miami’s win over Wake Forest on Oct. 18, Mensah completed an ACC record 26 consecutive passes. The senior ranks sixth nationally, averaging 302.8 yards per game through the air. He is completing 88.7 percent of his passes and has 14 touchdowns and no interceptions. Mensah’s 14 TDs lead the nation, and he is the only quarterback with at least 12 TDs that has not thrown an interception. Last year, the Duke transfer threw for 361 yards and 4 TDs with no interceptions against Clemson, while completing 27 of 41 passes in leading the Blue Devils to their first win in Death Valley since 1980.

Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten

Moten is the only defensive lineman back from last year’s dominant defensive line. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle is considered one of the best in the country at his position. Moten is known as a game wreck and is almost impossible to block in one-on-one situations. He did injury his shoulder against Wake Forest and came back in the game wearing a brace, which he will likely wear against Clemson. He did not play in Miami’s win over Central Michigan. Moten plays a big role in why it is hard to run against the ‘Canes. He is a big reason why they lead the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 39.5 yards per game, including 1.86 yards per carry. Miami has not allowed a rushing TD this through the first four games.

—courtesy of ACC Communications