For this week's report, I'm turning to Matt Porter, my colleague at one of the AJC's sister papers, the Palm Beach Post. This is Matt's first year on the beat. You can read his stuff here and follow him on Twitter here. My thanks to Matt.

1. What are one or two things that you think Miami is doing exceptionally thus far?

Forcing turnovers. The Hurricanes have 13, which is best in the ACC and fifth in the country. They aren’t giving it back, either (fourth in the nation in turnover margin). They’re in better positions this year than last year, swarming to the ball, more. If someone pops it loose they have more hats in the area. Some of the interceptions have been just outstanding reads by the secondary. They’ve grown up on defense, big-time. That’s why they’re undefeated.

2. Given that Miami is 3-0 against teams it should have beaten and in the upset over Florida game was nearly doubled up in total offense, do you have any doubts about Miami’s legitimacy as a top-15 team?

Slight doubts, precisely for the reasons you mention. But Miami has absolutely dominated the teams it should have – playing nearly everyone on the roster – and showed against Florida it can win with its defense, which was a laughable proposition last year. I think the stats will regress slightly in the ACC, but the ‘Canes are ranked properly right now. I’m not convinced they’ll beat Florida State in four weeks, though.

3. Tech has had a difficult time starting quickly, while Miami clearly has not. Is there anything in particular that has made the Hurricanes such a good first-quarter team?

Aggressive play-calling, spreading the ball around, outstanding pass protection, and, to be fair, mostly weak competition. Let’s take the Florida game, since it’s Miami’s only quality opponent thus far. Two first-quarter touchdowns for the Hurricanes, one off a forced fumble and one the result of everything I described in the first sentence. It’s Duke Johnson on first down, then Stephen Morris to the tight end and a first down, then Duke on first again, then short passes to two different receivers before Morris throws a 52-yard bomb to the fastest receiver on the team (Phillip Dorsett). Six plays, 84 yards in 1:56. Miami fans were a little worried about offensive coordinator James Coley coming into the season, since he was a game-planning OC at his last stop, Florida State, and didn’t call plays. I think the concern has evaporated.

4. What do you think is the team’s perception of last year’s game? Having led by 17 points in the third quarter, I’d say Tech looks at it as a game it gave away.

With less than five minutes in the third, too. I think Miami was excited about the comeback, but I don’t think anyone felt truly great about it. Miami coach Al Golden and defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio said this week they were lucky to escape Atlanta with a win. Most players just said it was a “crazy” game and/or thrilling when Mike James ran in the winning score. It was also sullied by the gruesome injury to receiver Malcolm Lewis (who’s back now, by the way).

5. For Tech fans making the trip down, what are some bars or restaurants you might recommend? (Kind of a tough one, given that fans are going to be flying into different airports and staying all over South Florida, but give it a shot.)

All depends on where you’re staying. The area around Sun Life Stadium is residential and nondescript. If you’re in Miami and want the good life, you have to try Joe’s Stone Crab or Prime 112. If you’re in downtown Fort Lauderdale and want a beach bar, try Dirty Blonde’s or the Elbo Room. Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood is also a good time. If you want something more laid back, try Bru’s Room in Fort Lauderdale or Boynton Beach.

Thanks for reading. I'll have a post up around 4 p.m. with a post of assorted notes.