Big chunk run plays allowed Miami to pull away from Miami (Ohio)
Miami left Hard Rock on Friday with a 35-point blowout win that included explosive plays on offense, a pair of passing and rushing touchdowns. The Hurricanes handled their business, but there were some rough moments.
One thing that was very noticeable to me was Miami was not finishing drives, and if you read the 3 keys to win against Miami (Ohio) that was the main one. And on defense sophomore quarterback Aveon Smith checked into the game late, and had a big chunk play against the Hurricanes defense, which they kept picking on Damari Brown.
On offense, the Hurricanes had just four possessions in the second half and took a advantage with every single one of the possessions, but Shannon Dawson was very vanilla today, and I will expect him to open up that playbook this Saturday.
Defensive drives were the separator on Friday.
Miami’s offense takes advantage of opportunities
Miami’s offense ended the game with 38 points in ten possession. Shannon Dawson’s offense scored just one touchdown in one red zone possession – something that was a huge issue last year.
Miami also flashed some explosiveness with a 26-yard touchdown scamper from true freshman Mark Fletcher Jr.
Finishing drives were a major issue for Miami’s offense last season. The Hurricanes struggled in the red zone and had a major injury problem. Those were eliminated on Friday, and it allowed Miami to maximize oppertunity.
Miami’s defense gets key stops
At the end of the game, Miami (Ohio) scored 3 points in 10 possessions as Lance Guidry defense limited Pat Welsh offense to 6.8 yards per pass, but even more notable is the run game defense the Hurricanes allowed only 2.0 yards per rush. There were some rough moments, but this defense got a lot of three and outs and tackles for loss.
The Canes’ defense forced a three-and-out after Harvey sacked quarterback Brett Gabbert for a five-yard loss. Miami took over at its own 18 and again marched into RedHawks territory as the rain returned. Andy Borregales capped the drive with a 34-yard field goal to push Miami’s lead to 10 points.
The Canes forced a three-and-out to start the second half and then Miami’s offense put together another efficient march. Van Dyke hit Restrepo twice for 29 yards to move the ball to the MU 26 and Fletcher took care of the rest, racing 26 yards down the left sideline for his first career touchdown. Van Dyke connected with Restrepo again for the two-point conversion and Miami had a three-touchdown lead.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
