Reality vs Expectations: Grading the Miami Hurricanes
In this story:
Where do the Miami Hurricanes stand when comparing reality to preseason expectations? The prognostications for the 2023 season were all over the map, but Miami is a rebuilding program. Still, there are surprises, good and bad.
Here are the grades for each of the offense, defense, and special teams.
Offense
It’s a tale of two sections from the schedule thus far. Through the first four contests, Miami placed 175 points on the board and smashed the first four teams it went against.
Tyler Van Dyke consistently connected with all three of Xavier Restrepo, Colbie Young, and Jacolby George, and the Canes’ passing game kept on rolling. Fun to watch, yes indeed.
The rushing attack gashed teams with big runs and brute strength as well. In particular, the offensive line is making major strides as it relates to last season’s unit. Then, ACC play began. While the rushing attack is still good, there’s the obvious issue that’s permeating social media posts by Miami fans.
No matter where a person believed Miami’s offense would project, it’s hard to watch the 10 interceptions from Van Dyke, and the offense is struggling because of his performance.
Against ACC competition, Miami is averaging 22.8 points per game. That’s better than the 16.4 points per game through the first five ACC games of 2022, but still a poor performance. No way around it, Van Dyke is a prime reason for Miami’s low-scoring average.
If not for the big game against A&M during the non-conference schedule, the Canes’ grade could be even lower.
Grade: D
Defense
Considering the injury bug the Hurricanes continue to play through, this Miami defense deserves credit. Losing defensive linemen Nyjalik Kelly, Branson Deen, and Akheem Mesidor for varying amounts of time to early-season injuries is rough. There are other injuries as well and the Miami defense battles regardless.
In particular, true freshman defensive lineman Rueben Bain, Jr. (29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks) and Francisco Mauigoa (45 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and an interception) came in and adapted well to Lance Guidry's defensive scheme. Both will be in contention for post-season honors.
It's worth noting, if Bain is not a First-Team Freshman All-American, something is wrong.
Adding them to James Williams, Miami's leader in tackles with 51 tackles, plus Kamren Kinchens, third on the team with 43 tackles despite missing two contests, provides the Hurricanes with unique talent. There are plenty of other defensive playmakers as well.
The Hurricanes have 30 sacks (11th nationally) and allow only 89.2 rushing yards per contest (9th). The only real concern is just sticking to receivers. Too many big passing plays are on the books, as the Canes are giving up 222.2 yards through the air (55th).
All of the above stats help to understand why six of nine opponents scored fewer than 24 points. Especially in the modern spread-passing era, that’s commendable.
The defense is exceeding expectations – even the ones had and they were high – and is one of the better units in college football.
Grade: B+
Special Teams
The rough start versus Texas A&M cannot be forgotten, but even in that same contest, Brashard Smith busted through the middle of the Aggies and went the distance for a score.
Punter Dylan Joyce is not often talked about, but he’s consistent from game-to-game. Joyce is also angling the punts so that opposing return men do not get easy returns. Joyce averages 42.2 yards per punt this season, a quality mark.
How about kicker Andres Borregales? He’s one of the nation’s best by going 17 of 19 and has a total of 80 points. He’s been tremendous!
Overall, the Miami special teams are arguably the most consistent of the three units for the Canes.
Grade: B
Engage with AllHurricanes!
Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.
Follow fbscout_florida