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Miami Hurricanes: Game Grades versus Pittsburgh Panthers

By Daniel Nordwall

Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) carries the ball as Miami Hurricanes linebacker Zach McCloud (53) makes the tackled during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) carries the ball as Miami Hurricanes linebacker Zach McCloud (53) makes the tackled during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Quadree Henderson (10) runs past Miami Hurricanes linebacker Charles Perry (34) for a touchdown during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Quadree Henderson (10) runs past Miami Hurricanes linebacker Charles Perry (34) for a touchdown during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams – C+

In last week’s game against Notre Dame, special teams were a critical characteristic of Miami’s comeback. From blocked extra points and kicks, special teams have had it’s ups and downs this season. Against the Panthers, the ‘Canes kickoff coverage allowed a

Kick Coverage

Against the Panthers, the ‘Canes kickoff coverage allowed a 100-yard touchdown return to Pittsburgh’s Quadree Henderson early in the game. If the offense did not sustain success, that could have shifted momentum for the worse.

Kicking Game

Besides the allowed kickoff return for a touchdown, the unit executed well. Kicker Michael Badgley hit three field goals for the day with a long of 48 yards.  Punter Justin Vogel punted five times for an average of 45 yards with one punt inside the five-yard line.

Returns

Malcolm Lewis was exceptional on kickoff returns, averaging 27.3 yards with a long of 34 yards. Braxton Berrios had two punt returns for 22 yards with a long of 15. Lewis and Berrios are averaging 20.5 YPR.

Berrios has been outstanding on punt returns this season. His 13.3-yard average ranks 13th nationally. His one return for a touchdown has been exceeded by only five players in FBS.

The Hurricanes kick return game has lacked the explosiveness that Berrios has given them punt returns.  Their 20.54 average yards per return as a team ranks 67th in the country. Miami has yet to return a kick for a touchdown this season.

Next: Miami Hurricanes Post Highlight Reel Day in Win Over Pittsburgh Panthers

Miami’s offense showed a lot of improvement over the last four weeks in the win against Pittsburgh. That performance has to be tempered against the Panthers 87th ranked defense. The defense remains exceptional. They are still among the nation’s elite, allowing 19.9 PPG.

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