Miami vs Virginia: Canes Must Be Ready For Versatile UVA Offense
Article photo of Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington; credit to Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s been a wild three weeks for Mario Cristobal and his Miami Hurricanes. Could that trend continue with the upstart Virginia Cavaliers coming to Hard Rock Stadium this Saturday?
Rushing Statistics and Players to Know
Virginia is the nation’s 105th rushing offense with 117.9 yards on the ground per contest. However, the Cavs are improving. UNC knows this as it allowed UVA to rush for 228 yards and 3 touchdowns. After a slow start, UVA’s rushing game is actually coming off of back-to-back great rushing games, with 221 versus William & Mary the game afterwards with UNC.
The leading ball carrier is the speedy Perris Jones. Only 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds, he’s capable of making defenders miss and will fight for extra yardage.
Do not discount quarterback Tony Muskett using his legs either. 12 attempts for 66 yards against North Carolina.
Malik Washington Is the Wide Receiver Miami Must Contain
Another shifty and laterally-adept player to watch is Malik Washington. With his torching of North Carolina to the tune of 12 receptions for 115 yards and a score, he’s flying high.
For the year, Washington sits at 56 receptions, 783 yards, 14 yards per reception, and 6 touchdowns. The Cavaliers use Washington’s skills via jet sweeps, short routes in the flat, quick slants and even over routes where he makes plays against bigger defensive backs.
Virginia will hang its hat with the rushing attack. Supplementing the ground assault with Washington is the likely plan and Miami must be ready for him to line up in a variety of places and formations.
Can the Cavaliers Offensive Linemen Protect Muskett?
Already allowing 24 sacks, Virginia is now going against a Miami pass rush that has 22 sacks, ranking it 15th nationally. Because of the obvious issues with the Virginia offensive front, the Canes may also need to be ready to chase down screens and other plays intending to slow them down.
UVA’s coaches know that Rueben Bain, Jr. and his his fellow front seven defenders are going to create issues with traditional pocket passes. Thus, look for a plethora of screens, draws, misdirection plays and even some trickery like a double pass or reverse.
Miami needs to stay in its rush lanes and each player must be ready to retrace his steps during screen plays. Never know, a Miami defensive lineman could cause a fumble by knocking the football loose from behind.
Miami’s Third Down Defense Will Be Vital
The Cavs are converting only 36.9% of their third downs for the season, but an improvement with 8 of 18 versus the Tar Heels, good for 44.4%. Miami needs to hold UVA’s rushing attack down to keep that number under 40% for this Saturday’s game.
Once Muskett is in a manageable situation, he could be dangerous with his arm or his legs. Keep an eye on how UM handles first down rushes from UVA.
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