Miami Hurricanes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers: Staff Roundtable

Sep 11, 2015; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Antony Moten (95) gets past Florida Atlantic Owls offensive lineman Mikingson Marsaille in the second quarter at FAU Stadium. Mandatory credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Canes defense is always the hot topic around the team. What have you seen out of the defense so far this season?

Juan Toribio: The defense has actually be really weird this season. The pass defense has been pretty good, while the run defense has been pretty bad, yet again. The Canes are allowing over 6 yards per carry, but that was mostly during the first half of the FAU game. In the second half of the game against the Owls, the Canes settled in and started making plays. The concern for me, however, is the inability to tackle. Raphael Kirby and Dallas Crawford just to name a few, had opportunities to make plays, but instead missed a tackle that sprung the Owls to bigger plays. While the defense will always be under the microscope here in Miami, the staff is throwing a bunch of different looks at the other team, and it hasn’t been as bad as people make it seem. With that said, though, it must continue to improve.

Daniel Gould: There have been significant changes to the defense this year (as there is every season, despite what some may think). DL alignment and techniques have changed, as well as significant change to coverage techniques. What effects these changes have on the defense remains to be seen. One issue that seems clear at this point is the rotations. The 4 LBs seemed settled, but things are still shaky at DT and safety. Moten struggled against the run against FAU and Crawford is a clear liability at FS with good players behind him. Once the rotation settles down the big plays should start going away.

Shanon Culiner: What I’ve seen out of the defense so far is the same ole’ bland defense that’s been haunting Golden’s tenure as a ‘Cane thus far. I like that the secondary is playing a little more aggressive. I believe Artie Burns and Rayshawn Jenkins both have 2 interceptions. But, as we all witnessed against FAU, Miami’s lack of defense kept the Owls in the games. And, we’re talking about a FAU team we should destroy on both sides of the ball. I’m trying to remain an optimist by believing that Miami just didn’t care to play or overlooked an inferior FAU team as the Nebraska game lingered in their minds. But, I’ve been wrong before and I’m probably wrong again. Nebraska should be a good testing rod to how the defense really looks. Oh, and losing linebacker Darrion Owens for the year doesn’t make matters any better.

Justin Fessenden: I’ve seen the bi-polar defense that have made Canes fans frustrated in the past (myself included). The defense allowed only 79 yards to Bethune, which is amazing no matter the opponent. The same defense then allowed 389 yards to FAU the following week, with 223 yards coming on the ground. The positive from the FAU game is that the defense buckled down in the 2nd half and only allowed 97 total yards. There has been more positive than negative from this defense so far, but Nebraska will test them as they have numerous playmakers on offense that could cause fits on defense.

Daniel Nordwall: Tackling and shedding blocks still remains an issue in 2015 for the Canes. Yes, Miami is a top 10 defense statistically at the moment but there were moments in the FAU game that were frightening: the defensive line getting pushed back, linebackers missing tackles, and poor block shedding. Although, Miami has been pilling up some sacks, and has been great in the turnover margin. Jamal Carter’s hit in the FAU game was tremendous, and it looks like Rayshawn Jenkins is healthy again, which is great news. The defense will have to keep that up and drastically improve their tackling Saturday for the win.

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