Mark Richt and OC Thomas Brown Deserve Credit for Offensive Success

Homer has come up big in the primetime games. He combined for 241 yards rushing, a touchdown and 7.5 yards per carry in the convincing wins against Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. He added three receptions for 44 yards.

With Richards limited by the hamstring injury this season, Berrios and tight end Chris Herndon has become Rosier’s favorite receivers. Berrios has 37 receptions for 475 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Herndon has 36 for 422 and four touchdowns.

Overall the offensive numbers are up from 2016. The struggles in the red zone have reduced the scoring by four points per game.

Miami averaged 274.2 passing, 151.8 rushing and 425.9 total yards per game in 2016. This season, the Hurricanes are averaging 270.4 passing yards, 181.4 rushing and 451.9 total yards per game. That’s a 19.3 percent increase on the ground and 6.1 percent increase in total yards per game.

The last two weeks the Hurricanes offense was more timely than productive. Miami should be able to move the ball on the ground in the final two regular-season games against Virginia and Pittsburgh.

The ACC Championship game against Clemson will pose the greatest challenge of the Richt era at Miami. A win in the last three games of the season will earn Miami a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Next: Miami Hurricanes Recreating Home Mystique

The way the Hurricanes have run the ball and play defense will lend well to success if they are fortunate enough to receive a bid to the playoff. If they can continue to do that they might pull a few surprises the remainder of the season.