In 2016, the offensive line allowed 25 sacks for a loss of 173 yards. This season they allowed 29 sacks, but only for a total of 153 yards. Some of that is likely attributed to Rosier’s mobility and 2016 quarterback Brad Kaaya’s immobility.
Miami’s running game saw an increase in production from 2016 to 2017. The loss of running back Mark Walton was a blow to the overall talent of the entire offense. Travis Homer did everything he could to pick up the slack. The offense overall would likely have had more production if they had Homer and Walton at running back.
Miami received about the same production from Walton in 2016 as Homer and Walton combined for this season. He finished the 2016 season with 27 receptions for 240 yards and a touchdown. Homer and Walton combined for 25 receptions for 310 yards and one touchdown.
On the ground, the tandem combined for 1,129 yards and 13 touchdowns. DeeJay Dallas added 217 yards as Homer’s primary backup this season. Trayone Gray added 42 yards on seven carries.
Walton ran for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016. Joseph Yearby added 608 yards and seven touchdowns and Gus Edwards had 290 yards and Homer 44.
The biggest difference in the Miami running game in 2017 was Rosier. After Kaaya lost 136 yards rushing (mostly from sacks) in 2016, Rosier became a ground threat in 2017. He ran for 468 yards and five touchdowns. That was second only to Homer.