How does Miami Hurricanes defense matchup with Clemson Offense

Bryant is the key to the Tigers offense. He is not the dynamic player that Watson was, but his absence in the second half in Clemson’s loss to Syracuse played a huge role in the Tigers defeat.

Clemson averages more yards through the air, but the Tigers running game sets up their passing game. Bryant and running backs Tavien Feaster and Freshman Travis Etienne all pose threats in the running game.

Clemson is averaging five yards per carry and three touchdowns on the ground per game. Etienne finished the regular season with 720 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averages 7.4 yards per carry. That would be fifth nationally if he had enough totes to qualify.

Feaster is averaging 6.4 yards per carry and has 637 yards and six touchdowns. Bryant has 639 yards and ten touchdowns.

Miami is allowing 153.9 yards per game on the ground, but only 3.9 yards per carry. The Hurricanes run defense has improved significantly in the second half of the season. After allowing at least four yards per carry in five of the first six games, Miami has held their last five opponents under four yards per carry.

The Hurricanes are going to need big plays from their front seven and to limit the big plays from Clemson. Manny Diaz is going to have to implore his defense about the importance of getting off the field on third down.

The Hurricanes have struggled with third-down defense at times this season. Miami ranks 58th in the country stopping opponents 38 percent of the time on third down. Clemson is tenth in the country converting 46.4 percent on third down.