Takeaways From Miami's First Three Games
Article photo of Miami offensive lineman Anez Cooper and safety James Williams; credit to Brian Smith.
The Miami Hurricanes are a lot different than they were last season. Mario Cristobal and the Canes are wasting no time showing it. Miami is tougher and faster, but it still needs to work on its discipline. But, there has been a lot of good to take away from the Hurricanes' first three games.
Miami's running back depth is the best it has been in years.
The Hurricanes have three running backs with over 120 yards, all averaging over five yards per carry.
Henry Parrish Jr.: 26 carries, 192 yards, one TD, 7.38 YPC
Ajay Allen: 26 carries, 137 yards, two TDs, 5.27 YPC
Don Chaney Jr.: 18 carries, 122 yards, two TDs, 6.78 YPC
If not for an injury against Texas A&M, freshman running back Mark Fletcher Jr. would likely have over 100 yards, for he has 82 on the year with a touchdown. It is evident that Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson wants to have a by-committee attack at running back and it has been going smoothly. The Hurricanes rank inside the top 10 in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns
The starting offensive line is also the best it has been in years.
The running backs are talented, but they certainly have comfort running behind a capable offensive line. Coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal are recruiting, developing, and building a formidable offensive line.
Guard Anez Cooper is turning into a gem, as he has been one of Miami's best run blockers on the inside. Center Matthew Lee and OG Javion Cohen came to Miami via the Transfer Portal. They are both playing well.
Jalen Rivers is a consistent starter on the offensive line going back to his true freshman year. Rivers started his career as a guard, but is now an anchor on the line as Miami's left tackle in Zion Nelson's absence.
Opposite of Rivers, is the highly-touted Five-Star tackle Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa looks the part, but he is still getting up to speed. Mauigoa has moments where he is dominant, but also plays where he's out of position and draws holding calls.
The Canes' offensive front looks like one that can make an argument as one of the ACC's best, especially after a strong performance against Texas A&M in pass protection.
The Hurricanes still need to work on breaking old habits.
Miami hasn't been the most disciplined team through the first three games as far as penalties go. Miami is one of the most penalized teams in the nation ranking in the bottom 10 of FBS teams with 23 total penalties. Miami has 209 yards in penalties, which is also in the bottom 10 of FBS teams.
However, Miami is showing more of a will to battle through that adversity, mostly put on display against Texas A&M. The team is more competitive and determined, but limiting penalties will undoubtedly give Miami an extra push in ballgames.
The Hurricanes are not allowing as many big plays as a result of mental errors on defense. And aside from penalties on offense, Miami is not been beating itself.
Special teams will need to improve as the year goes on, but it's having good moments as well like Brashard Smith's kickoff for a touchdown versus Texas A&M.
Tyler Van Dyke is showing he is again, one of the nation's best.
There is either a lot that can be said or not a lot. The statistics speak for themselves. Van Dyke is top 10 in passing yards and passing touchdowns and No. 11 in completion percentage. He has only one interception on his stat sheet.
"TVD" is playing in a scheme similar to what Rhett Lashlee ran in 2021, as far as passing plays go. There is a lot of creativity on offense and the rhythm Miami is able to get into in the run game is benefitting Van Dyke's play-action game. If Van Dyke can keep it up, he could take Miami further than many would have thought.
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