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Key Matchup: Miami WR Phillip Dorsett vs Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller

By Tim Thomas

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Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is tackled by Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) after a short gain at Ohio Stadium. Virginia Tech won the game 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

There are plenty of talented players on both sides of the field tonight and there will be some very interesting matchups that could leave a big impact on the game. This one-on-one matchup in particular could have a big impact on the offensive productivity of the Miami Hurricanes against the Virginia Tech Hokies.

The likely matchup between Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller could be very critical in determing the outcome of this game.

Dorsett might have only 16 catches on the season but Dorsett is an extremely fast player that has 550 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. The bigger sign of Dorsett’s playmaking ability is the fact that Dorsett is averaging 34.4 yards per reception which is absolutely absurd even if he has only had 16 receptions.

There is no doubt that Dorsett is a game changer for the Hurricanes and someone that Bud Foster will clearly have to figure out a game plan for. That game plan for Foster will likely include having Kendall Fuller cover the speedy senior wide receiver.

Fuller had a couple of not so good plays covering Tyler Boyd last week but Fuller was solid overall and will look to come out this week and impress especially with the couple of bad plays Fuller had last week. Fuller has the speed and elite man cover skills to shut down Dorsett just like the Duke Blue Devils did when they held Dorsett without a single catch.

If it wasn’t for Duke Johnson, the Hokies could probably use both Detrick Bonner and Kyshoen Jarrett as two safeties in zone over the middle but Jarrett will likely be needed in the box to help contain Johnson though Donovan Riley could be used in that role instead. Either way, the Hokies will need to use Bonner in zone in the middle of the field with Fuller in this one-on-one matchup.

Fuller has the skills to shut down Dorsett and that is my expectation as Dorsett will not have a big, game changing play.

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