**Freshman defensive end Joe Jackson was a standout player for the Canes today, as was junior Trent Harris – both starred in roles that we haven’t seen them in this season. Prior to this game, defensive coordinator Manny Diaz had shown primarily 4-3 looks. Today against Georgia Tech’s triple option, there was heavy use of a 3-4 with Jackson and Harris used as the stand-up rushers on the edge.
Harris, who has been touted by coaches for his knowledge of the game, had 7 tackles, 3 TFL, and 2 sacks on Saturday, including one strip sack that led to a Shaq Quarterman scoop and score.
Jackson, the lanky, twitchy pass rusher from Gulliver Prep, had a big sack for the Canes, as well as a scoop and score of his own directly after Quarterman’s touchdown.
Miami’s leading tackler today was Jamal Carter with 9 (all solo).
Michael Pinckney struggled a bit early on against the outside pitch, but came on as the game progressed. He had a big third-down sack for Miami’s defense and wrapped up the win with his first career interception.
Overall, the defense gave up some chunks of yardage, but it’s been a very long time since we’ve seen a Miami Hurricanes defense who has a nose for the football like this. The mentality they’re playing with can break a game open, as we saw today with back-to-back defensive touchdowns.
**Miami’s passing game did not have to get too fancy on Saturday. Brad Kaaya was 13-19 for 241 yards and a touchdown. Again though, the Canes did not really take any shots deep downfield. Stacy Coley’s touchdown came on a quick slant. Chris Herndon’s 48-yard reception was essentially a dump down that he turned into a big play.
Every game is different, but one stat that stood out to me was the fact that Clemson QB Deshaun Watson threw for 304 yards on 48 attempts last week against Georgia Tech – only 63 more yards thank Kaaya on 29 more attempts.
Look for Mark Richt to open things up next week against Florida State, especially in the down field passing game and in the use of the tight ends Chris Herndon and David Njoku. Ahmmon Richards will need to be involved in the game plan next week as well.
**For the first time this season, the Canes did not have a ball carrier go for over 100 yards. Joseph Yearby was Miami’s most effective runner on the afternoon, averaging 7.2 yards per carry (9 rushes, 65 yards, TD). Mark Walton scored too – both him and Yearby have scored in all four of Miami’s games this season.
Gus Edwards got involved in the action. We haven’t seen much of him over the first few games, but Edwards got his first carry in the 2nd quarter and had two rushes in the game for 7 yards.
**Miami LT Trevor Darling missed a couple of series early in the game after limping off the field, but returned to action. LB Zach McCloud also hobbled off the field, but it did not appear serious either. CB Adrian Colbert returned to action today after missing the Appalachian State game.
**Welcome to Miami – Florida State week.
Harris, who has been touted by coaches for his knowledge of the game, had 7 tackles, 3 TFL, and 2 sacks on Saturday, including one strip sack that led to a Shaq Quarterman scoop and score.
Jackson, the lanky, twitchy pass rusher from Gulliver Prep, had a big sack for the Canes, as well as a scoop and score of his own directly after Quarterman’s touchdown.
Miami’s leading tackler today was Jamal Carter with 9 (all solo).
Michael Pinckney struggled a bit early on against the outside pitch, but came on as the game progressed. He had a big third-down sack for Miami’s defense and wrapped up the win with his first career interception.
Overall, the defense gave up some chunks of yardage, but it’s been a very long time since we’ve seen a Miami Hurricanes defense who has a nose for the football like this. The mentality they’re playing with can break a game open, as we saw today with back-to-back defensive touchdowns.
**Miami’s passing game did not have to get too fancy on Saturday. Brad Kaaya was 13-19 for 241 yards and a touchdown. Again though, the Canes did not really take any shots deep downfield. Stacy Coley’s touchdown came on a quick slant. Chris Herndon’s 48-yard reception was essentially a dump down that he turned into a big play.
Every game is different, but one stat that stood out to me was the fact that Clemson QB Deshaun Watson threw for 304 yards on 48 attempts last week against Georgia Tech – only 63 more yards thank Kaaya on 29 more attempts.
Look for Mark Richt to open things up next week against Florida State, especially in the down field passing game and in the use of the tight ends Chris Herndon and David Njoku. Ahmmon Richards will need to be involved in the game plan next week as well.
**For the first time this season, the Canes did not have a ball carrier go for over 100 yards. Joseph Yearby was Miami’s most effective runner on the afternoon, averaging 7.2 yards per carry (9 rushes, 65 yards, TD). Mark Walton scored too – both him and Yearby have scored in all four of Miami’s games this season.
Gus Edwards got involved in the action. We haven’t seen much of him over the first few games, but Edwards got his first carry in the 2nd quarter and had two rushes in the game for 7 yards.
**Miami LT Trevor Darling missed a couple of series early in the game after limping off the field, but returned to action. LB Zach McCloud also hobbled off the field, but it did not appear serious either. CB Adrian Colbert returned to action today after missing the Appalachian State game.
**Welcome to Miami – Florida State week.
