How Can Miami's Defense Be Better? | Podcast
The Miami Hurricanes are playing a much better brand of defensive football this season. The rushing defense, in particular, is outstanding.
The Canes allow only 48 yards on the ground, good for No. 3 in the nation. Job well done!
There are still several areas that need an uptick in productivity. Here are the ones to note overall, with a podcast that delves into the specifics of each one of them.
1) Red zone defense is #39 in the nation when it comes to allowing touchdowns.
That’s okay, but considering the UM talent, it’s not nearly as good as it can eventually be by season’s end. In short, there’s work to be done.
2) Penalties!
Now, this is across the board for offense, defense and special teams, but the Canes are a horrific #114 in the nation with penalties. That’s a lack of discipline. That must change immediately.
3) Allowing big passing plays.
To be clear, Miami’s secondary is showcasing quite a bit of talent. Is it playing up to its talent level, however? Looking at the current numbers, no way!
In the podcast, there are four specific statistics for big plays that are brought to light beyond what’s here, but check this out. When it comes to passes being defended (batted down, a deflection, etc.), the Hurricanes are #69 in the country. That’s not where the Canes need to be.
Keep in mind, this is taking place with a rare talent at safety like James Williams. It's a bit odd, really. Miami has quite a bit of secondary talent overall, truth be told.
4) Finally, it’s about getting home. Sacks!
The Canes are applying pressure. Time to bring the opposing quarterback down to the ground more often, however. Miami is No. 45 in the nation by way of 10 sacks. The Hurricanes can and should do better during the rest of the 2023 season.
Hurricanes fans should expect players like defensive ends Jahfari Harvey and Rueben Bain, Jr., as well as defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III, to be among several players turning it up another notch.
The Miami defense is getting better. It still needs to improve. Let’s see how the Canes do versus Georgia Tech (Oct. 7) and then at North Carolina (Oct. 14). The points above will be prime factors for how the defense performs overall.
Here's the podcast:
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