Miami Hurricanes Football: Reviewing the 2015 Season

Sep 5, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) reacts after making an interception during the second half against Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

With arguably a better defense than last year’s group that finished 14th in total defense, Miami now ranks 81st in total defense. Granted, Miami lost key linebacker Denzel Perryman to the draft, but the injury bug has also affected the defense. Linebackers Marques Gayot, Darrion Owens, and Raphael Kirby all suffered season ending injures which really hurt the depth. In order to compensate for this loss, we have seen a lot of the 4-2-5 defense this season with Jamal Carter playing the LB/Rover position. Although, it is more and more evident that Mark D’Onofrio’s system does not work for the University of Miami.

Here are the stats:

• 4481 total yards – 2355 passing – 2526 rushing
• Avg of 407 yards allowed per game – 196.6 passing – 210.5 rushing
• Avg of 28.8 points given up per game

As you can see, the run defense still remains a problem. This is due, in part, to Miami’s lack of success recruiting men in the trenches to fit the specific system. However, Calvin Huretelou, Courtel Jenkins, and Kendrick Norton have showed promise at the defensive tackle position. Miami still lacks an intense pass rush with just 24 sacks on the year (tied for 7oth in the nation).

Artie Burns and Corn Elder have been the highlight of the season in the secondary for Miami. Burns leads the ACC in interceptions, and Elder has proven to be a play maker.

Defensive Leaders:

Jermaine Grace leads the team in tackles with (42 solo) and (76 total), (2 sacks) and (6 TFL’s)

Trent Harris leads the team in sacks with (3.5)

.Al Quadin Muhammad leads the team in TFL’s (8.5)

Next: Bowl Game & Next Coach