Where Has Miami Improved the Most in 2023?
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The Miami Hurricanes are a much better team in 2023. How and why needs to be brought to light. Here are three questions for Miami fans to help make that happen.
1) Did Miami fans really think the offensive line would be this much better?
Miami’s pass protection is on an entirely different level this season by giving up just 13 sacks so far, while the entire 2022 season saw 36 sacks allowed.
Additionally, Miami’s rushing attack is much better with 172 yards per game as compared to 128.3 yards a game last season.
With both the pass protection and running game, the Canes are more physical for sure. It’s still the cohesiveness and attention to detail that’s most noticeable. Miami’s offensive line plays well together and is one of the nation’s best overall units.
2) How many catches should Canes fans have expected from the top three receiving targets?
By the end of 2022, Miami’s top three, Will Mallory, Colbie Young, and Brashard Smith, ended the season with a combined 107 receptions. For 2023, and just through 10 games, Miami is going far beyond those totals.
Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and Colbie Young have a total of 144 receptions. Here are their receiving numbers:
Restrepo
: 60 receptions, 683 yards, 11.4 average, and 4 touchdowns
George
: 46 receptions, 707 yards, 15.4 average, and 7 touchdowns
Young
: 38 receptions, 499 yards, 13.1 average, and 4 touchdowns.
3) Did anyone expect Miami to be competing with this many freshmen as starters and key contributors?
Quarterback Emory Williams, running backs Mark Fletcher, Jr. and Chris Johnson, Jr., wide receiver Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph, tight end Riley Williams, offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, defensive lineman Rueben Bain, Jr., and cornerback Damari Brown are making plays for the Canes.
Other freshmen hit the field and made their marks as well. Bottom line, Miami is holding serve with its youth movement – where needed – to be a competitive college football team.
Sure, there are several key upperclassmen as well. It’s just that Miami is one of the youngest teams in the Power 5 as it relates to freshmen hitting the field this year. The future is bright for the Miami Hurricanes.
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