How does Miami Hurricanes Offense Matchup vs Clemson Defense

Clemson saw the blueprint of how to beat Miami from Pittsburgh last weekend. Clemson Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables is likely to put eight defenders in the box and dare Rosier to beat him. If the Hurricanes Junior signal caller gets hot he can.

The run defense that was most comparable to Clemson’s in the ACC this season was Virginia Tech. The Hokies allowed 118 rushing yards per game, just five more than Clemson. They were also close to the Tigers in yards per carry against and rushing touchdowns against.

Miami shredded the Hokies run defense. Miami ran for 219 yards, 6.3 yards per carry and two touchdowns in the win over Virginia Tech. Although the numbers may be comparable, Clemson’s front four is the ACC’s most dominant. The Tigers had three of the four spots on the first team defensive line in the ACC this season.

The Miami offensive line has often been maligned this season. For the most part, they have had an excellent season, but they have had less than stellar play at other times. Particularly in run blocking. They are going to have to have their best game of the season against the ferocious Clemson front four.

Whichever team can get to the quarterback more often could be a big determining factor in the game. Miami leads the nation with an average of 3.8 sacks per game. Clemson had one more sack in one more game with 40 to the Hurricanes 39. The Tigers average of 3.33 sacks per game ranks fourth.