Miami Hurricanes: Game Grades versus Pittsburgh Panthers

Defense Grade – B+

The Miami defense was more bend than Break against Pittsburgh. They allowed 417 yards, but only 21 points. The special teams allowed a 100-yard kickoff return to the Panthers Quadree Henderson.  The ‘Canes defense has kept in every game except Virginia Tech despite the lack of depth and injuries. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz deserves a medal for what he has to work with. He has the ‘Canes defense ranked

The ‘Canes defense has helped the team stay in every game except Virginia Tech despite the lack of depth and injuries. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz deserves a medal for what he has gotten out of  what has often been a shorthanded defense. He has the ‘Canes defense ranked near the top in most categories.

Everyone on the defense is battling bumps, bruises, and other injuries. Yet, they still play hard and manage to be effective. The defense held the run-heavy Panthers to 130 yards and 3.5 yards per carry and James Conner to only 40 yards.

The difference in the game was Miami’s ability to create turnovers on defense. Chad Thomas recovered a Kendrick Norton forced fumble and Rayshawn Jenkins had a crucial interception in the Red Zone. That was the defense’s first turnover in four games. Their last one was in the loss to Florida State.

Miami needs to do a better job on third down defensively. The Panthers had stretches throughout the game that they were able to convert on third down and put points on the board. Much of that can be attributed to the limited depth defensively.