The area where the Hurricanes have been the worst in the country. And UM personnel notes
A six-pack of Miami Hurricanes notes on a Tuesday:
▪ The Hurricanes are the worst Power 5 team in the country in one area, and it’s puzzling because it’s a direct reflection on the group that was supposed to be a strength.
Because of multiple big plays relinquished, the Canes are allowing 17.4 yards per reception (75 for 1308), which is worst in the country among 131 FBS schools.
They’re also allowing 10.4 yards per attempt; only Charlotte is worse.
Those bloated numbers are largely the byproduct of yielding passing plays of 69, 89 and 98 yards against Middle Tennessee and 74 yards against North Carolina.
“You’re searching for answers,” defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said of giving up so many big plays. “It’s been cover 2, cover 3, man. All base stuff we’ve had huge reps at. We just have to coach it better, have a better understanding. There are a lot of different formations, routes. It’s almost strange how it’s happened but it’s happened; it’s real. It’s my job to get it fixed, and I do believe we will.”
The secondary has been much worse than its preseason billing.
Tyrique Stevenson, who has been battling injuries and was beaten this season for three sizable gains, was considered a top five cornerback draft prospect, per ESPN.
Before the season, UM talked up DJ Ivey and raved about him to the Senior Bowl director.
UM believed West Virginia transfer Daryl Porter Jr. would be a very helpful addition, and that Te’Cory Couch would rebound from his 2021 regression.
Safety Kamren Kinchens, who has otherwise been good, made a key mistake on UNC’s 74-yard passing play. Stevenson thought he had help over the top from Kinchens on that play. “Just a simple eye violation, base coverage, no adjustments to it,” Steele said.
Avantae Williams, rated by Rivals as the No. 1 safety in the 2020 class, barely ever plays; UM used him just six defensive snaps against North Carolina after not using him at all on defense in two previous games.
James Williams, rated by Rivals as the No. 1 safety in the 2021 class, has one interception and hasn’t had quite the impact expected. I wonder if a move to linebacker would be in everyone’s best interests.
Porter played well in the second half against North Carolina and his playing time could increase. He played 32 defensive snaps against UNC, with Ivey logging 69, Couch 67, and Stevenson (slowed by injury) 35.
At safety, James Williams played 70, Kinchens 67, Avantae Williams those six, and Al Blades Jr. 3.
It looks like these coaches will continue to ride with Ivey and Couch; their careers have been uneven but they’re still viewed as better options than the younger corners on the roster.
▪ UM is using a heavy rotation at defensive end and defensive tackle, and Akheem Mesidor (49 snaps) and Darrell Jackson (32 snaps) arguably have been UM’s best players at those positions and earned the most playing time against UNC.
The question is whether UM will continue to increase the playing time of its front seven freshmen, including Wesley Bissainthe (13 snaps against UNC), Nyjalik Kelly (15) and Cyrus Moss (missed the UNC game with a dental issue).
Among the defensive players who saw their playing time decline against UNC: linebacker Waynmon Steed (11 snaps), pseudo linebacker/safety Gil Frierson (9), Elijah Roberts (6) and Caleb Johnson (8).
After giving a start to Johnson - the UCLA transfer - in the Texas A&M game, the disparity in playing time between Corey Flagg and Johnson has grown in the other direction.
Flagg played 63 snaps on Saturday and is third in the ACC in tackles for loss; he wasn’t a top recruit but he continues to maximize his ability against the run. There have been some breakdowns by Flagg in pass coverage, however.
▪ Mario Cristobal said coaches last week challenged freshman receiver Isaiah Horton, who hasn’t appeared in a game this season.
Per UM, other players on scholarship who haven’t played in a game include two injured running backs (Don Chaney Jr. and TreVonte’ Citizen), quarterback Peyton Matocha, defensive backs Jalen Harrell and Keyshawn Washington and offensive linemen Ryan Rodriguez and Michael McLaughlin.
▪ One reason why Key’Shawn Smith played only 26 offensive snaps against UNC - compared with 74 for Brashard Smith, 69 for Frank Ladson and 51 for Michael Redding - is he was a bit beaten up from handling returns, according to offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.
▪ The disparity in offensive snaps between Henry Parrish (61) and Jaylan Knighton (14) and Thad Franklin (6) was stark on Saturday, but understandably so.
Parrish is averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 78 carries; Knighton is averaging 4.2 (and 3.9 in his career) on 26 carries and had a key fumble on Saturday. Franklin is averaging 4.3 on 40 carries.
▪ Receiver Colbie Young, the June junior college transfer, had three catches for 43 yards late against North Carolina and likely will get more playing time.
“He was one of our last additions to the roster this summer,” Gattis said. “Everything he came in learning was new for him. He had some bumps and bruises, now finally getting him healthy. He provided a little bit of spark for us. That confidence he displayed will increase his role. He can give us a big body that attacks the football.”
▪ Quick stuff: Gattis said “You’re going to see new faces, new roles being increased for players.”... Gattis smartly went up-tempo a bit against UNC but cautioned that “the focus for us isn’t tempo because we’re averaging a high volume.”... Saturday’s 12:30 game at Virginia Tech will air on Bally Sports Sun, while the 12:30 p.m. game against Duke on Oct. 22 will air on Bally Sports Florida.
This story was originally published October 11, 2022 at 2:22 PM.
