As all Miami Hurricane fans know, the Canes ended the 2014 season with a disappointing 6-7 record. Most would agree that last year’s team was much more talented than their record suggested. The fact that 7 players were drafted to NFL rosters only verifies that theory.
The 2015 Miami Hurricanes look to put their talent to good use and have a much more successful season. Looking at the team rankings from last season, the Canes were not ‘elite’ in any category. I am defining ‘elite’ as a team that is ranked in the top 10 nationally in any given category. With that said, the Canes were actually close to being elite in a few categories. Let’s take a look at which areas the Canes can be elite in 2015.
Passing Efficiency
The Canes finished last season ranked #28 in passing efficiency. It’s crazy to think that the majority of this ranking came from a true freshman in Brad Kaaya. Some may think it’ll be hard for the Canes to jump into the top 10 nationally in passing efficiency this season but I would disagree. Brad Kaaya came into last season with no time to adjust to the speed of the college game and no time to develop chemistry with his receivers. With a year under his belt, the sky is the limit for Kaaya. This offseason Kaaya has become much more vocal, along with being a leader. Recently, Coach Coley stated that Kaaya has full control of the offense this season. I have no reason to believe the Canes can’t improve upon their 143.66 team passing efficiency rating last year and become elite in that category in 2015.
Passing Yards Per Completion
That Brad Kaaya guy was pretty good last season, wasn’t he? The Canes ranked #17 nationally last season with a 14.31 passing yards per completion. As a true freshman, Kaaya threw a beautiful deep ball and frequently found the wide open receiver (often Phillip Dorsett). Even though the Canes don’t seem to have a wide receiver with the speed that Phillip Dorsett had, Kaaya does some aspects that will benefit him more this season. In my opinion, Kaaya’s arsenal of receivers will run much more crisp routes this season due to the teachings of new wide receivers coach, Coach Beard. Therefore, more crisp routes equals many more wide open receivers. This receiver/tight end group is also very diverse, with tall/rangy receivers and tight ends, along with the speedsters, Kaaya will be licking his chops this season. Look for the Canes to gain plenty of passing yards per completion and on an elite level.
Passing Yards Allowed
Yes, the Canes weren’t too shabby at defending the pass last season. They ranked #17 nationally in 2014 in passing yards allowed. They allowed only 192.5 yards passing per game, 10.93 yards per completion and 14 touchdowns. Could 2015 be the year that DB’U’ returns? I think it’s very possible. The secondary looks to be a strength of this year’s Canes team and the defensive line should be better at creating pressure on the opposing quarterback. I see no reason that the Canes can’t be elite in this area, especially with a very experienced and talented secondary.
Total Defense
Stats can be pretty deceiving at times but let’s face it, the Hurricanes defense last season showed improvement from the 2013 season. Believe it or not, the Canes ranked #14 last season in total defense allowing only 329.6 yards per game. The defense had its’ ups-and-downs but fans did catch glimpses of the dominating Hurricane defenses of old. The loss of Denzel Perryman will hurt, but I expect Jermaine Grace and Company to step up to the challenge of replacing Perryman. Overall, I believe the Canes defense will be even better this season in all areas. I also believe fans will see a more aggressive Hurricane defense. Do I dare say, this defense could very well be, elite?!
NET Punting
I can hear the snickering through the computer. However, a good punter is very unappreciated. As a team, the Canes ranked #13 nationally in net punting by averaging 40.50 net yards per punt. The Hurricanes have been lucky to have some great punters come in lately via transfer in Pat O’Donnell and now Justin Vogel. Good field position is so crucial in the game of football and the Canes should feel fortunate that they will have Vogel punting for them for another 2 seasons. Hopefully, they won’t need him too often but when they do they will have an elite punter that they can count on.
*****
Some Areas To Keep An Eye On
-The offensive line play last season was pretty good. The Canes ranked #29 in sacks allowed with 1.62 sacks allowed per game. They also tied for #13 in tackles for loss allowed with 4.62 per game. I would be happy to be anywhere near those rankings this season with such a young and inexperienced offensive line. Their play is vital to Kaaya’s success this season. Coach Kehoe has his work cut out for him.
-In the most important defensive ranking, the Canes ranked #36 in scoring defense, allowing 24.3 points per game. Being ranked #36 isn’t horrible but it shows exactly where your defense is at. The Canes may not have given up a ton of yards last season but they did give up 24.3 points per game. If the defense wants to truly be elite, they need to give up at least 5 fewer points per game.
-The Hurricanes rush defense ranked #30 last season with 137.1 yards allowed per game. While I don’t expect the rush defense to be elite this season, I would be happy with any improvement at all and I do expect that to happen with the talent on the defensive line.
-The Hurricanes pass efficiency defense ranked #33 last season allowing a 117.4 rating. Like every other defensive ranking, I expect this to improve but not quite to an elite status.