Miami Hurricanes need to eliminate slow starts

One aberration is that the Miami Hurricanes pass defense has allowed five touchdowns and had nine interceptions in the first half. Three of those five came versus Virginia. In the second half, opponents have gone for eight and eight.

The passer rating has been far more stout in the second half. Opposing quarterbacks have a 111.15 quarterback rating in the first half, but just a 103.41 rating in the second half.

This is especially impressive when you consider the big leads Miami had late against the Cavaliers and in several other games including Virginia Tech and Notre Dame.

Miami’s opponents have been far more efficient throwing the football in the opening 30 minutes. Opposing quarterbacks complete 59 percent of their passes in the first half, just 49.1 percent in the second.

The Hurricanes run defense has not been that different. Opponents have run for 891 yards and an average of 3.91 yards per carry in the first half. Manny Diaz’s defense has been much better after halftime.

Teams have run for 664 yards and an average of 3.48 yards per carry in the second half. More than third of the opponents rushing yards have come in the first quarter. Hurricanes opponents have run for 536 yards and 4.58 yards per carry average in the first quarter. It has somewhat allowed teams to set the tempo early.