Miami Hurricanes doing much better on third down on offense and defense

The Miami Hurricanes struggled to get off the field on defense and stay on the field on offense on third down in 2017. That has changed drastically through three games this season.

During the 2017 season, the Miami Hurricanes converted just 28.83 percent of their third down conversions on offense. In the three losses to end the season against Pittsburgh, Clemson and Wisconsin that number plummeted to 21.95 percent. Against the Tigers and Badgers, Miami converted five of 26 on third down.

The defense was almost as abysmal on third downs last season. The Miami defense allowed teams to convert 39.55 percent on third down in 2017. That number rose to 48 percent in the three losses.

The offense finished 126th out of 130 teams in FBS last season in third-down conversion percentage. The defense was 75th in opponents third-down conversion rate in 2017. Both sides of the ball have made drastic improvements in 2018.

Through the first three games of 2018, the Miami defense is first in the country on third down. LSU, Savannah State and Toledo converted only seven of 43 times on third down for 16.28 percent.

No matter how its measured the Miami Hurricanes defense would remain first nationally on third downs. Even in victory LSU went converted just three of 16 on third down.

The Miami Hurricanes offense isn’t as highly ranked on third down as the defense. The offense has however made a much bigger leap than the defense did. The Miami offense ranks 34th nationally in third-down conversion percentage. The Hurricanes offense is 20 for 43 in 2018 in third-down conversions.

In the loss to LSU Miami converted 37.5 percent on third down. That’s not great, but still a marked improvement over last season. Miami Head Coach Mark Richt responded to a question in the Miami Herald about the improvement offensively on third downs in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

"“We have a fullback again; that’s helpful…When you get it to third-and-1 and you make it, hallelujah…"

He also elaborated on their early practices in training camp working on third downs to the Sun Sentinel.

"“We started camp installing third down, short, medium, long, installing red zone, high-low red zone. We wanted to make a point of it. … You’ve got to get to that line or you’ve got to stop it at that line. I think we’re gaining confidence in that area.”"

On first down and three yards or less in 2017, Miami converted just nine of 19 times running the football. The Hurricanes averaged 1.26 yards per carry in those situations last season. On third downs that were between four and six yards to go the Hurricanes were four for 11 running the football. They averaged 3.36 yards per carry.

This season Miami is six for nine running the football and is averaging 5.89 yards per carry on third downs with three yards or less to go. On third downs between four and six yards to go the Hurricanes are averaging just 2.5 YPC. They have converted one of two attempts.

If the Miami Hurricanes continue to thrive on third down on both sides of the ball this season can still turn out to be special. Third downs can be big momentum boosts or destroy momentum.