LSU is the most important game on the Miami Hurricanes schedule for two primary reasons. A victory over LSU would end a three-game losing streak. It would also prove that Miami can compete with a powerhouse program.
In the Miami Hurricanes three losses to Pittsburgh, Clemson and Wisconsin, Miami failed to establish a consistent running game. Against Pittsburgh, Miami could only muster 45 rushing yards.
In the Orange Bowl against Wisconsin, Miami had 115 rushing yards in the first quarter. They finished the game with only 174 rushing yards. For Miami to beat LSU the Hurricanes must establish an effective and consistent attacking attack. If they don’t they could be headed towards a fourth straight loss.
Miami’s Rushing Offense In the Richt Era
From 2016 to 2017, Miami improved in overall rushing yards and yards per rus but slightly declined in rushing Touchdowns. Miami increased their rushing first downs by 11 from 95 to 106.
Transitioning from Brad Kaaya to Malik Rosier certainly helped improve the rushing attack and Miami will have the benefit of a mobile quarterback again in 2018 whether Rosier or N’Kosi Perry line up behind center.
| YEAR | Rush YDS | YPR | Rush TD’s | Rush First Downs |
| 2016 | 1,973 | 4.5 | 24 | 95 |
| 2017 | 2,091 | 5.1 | 19 | 106 |
Dallas received significant carries week eight against Virginia Tech. He really showed his ability to run the ball week nine against
totaling 53 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
The Hurricanes offensive line will lose a duo of three-year starters to graduation in left guard Trevor Darling and left tackle KC McDermott. Freshman All-American Navaughn Donaldson and rising seniors Tyree St. Louis and Tyler Gauthier are the three returning starters from 2017.
Rising sophomore Kai-Leon Herbert, rising junior Hayden Mahoney, rising sophomore Corey Gaynor, and rising junior, LSU transfer George Brown are leading favorites to fill the vacancies left by Darling and McDermott.
The running back group will lose junior Mark Walton to the NFL after his 2017 season was cut short against Florida State. He suffered an ankle injury that required season-ending surgery. Walton finished his three year Miami career with 2,006 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns.
HIs premature exit forced sophomore Travis Homer and true freshman (high school quarterback) Dee Jay Dallas to carry the brunt of the rushing load. Homer led the team in rushing with 966 rushing yards. He accomplished this despite not becoming the feature back until week five against Georgia Tech.
In addition to Homer and Dallas, Miami will welcome incoming freshmen running backs Lorenzo Lingard, Cam’Ron Davis and fullback Realus George. Lingard has a nice combination of speed, power, agility and size and has a legitimate argument for being the best running back in the nation.
Davis is a one cut back with the ability to separate in the open field. Ranked as the second and seventh best running backs in the 2018 class, both Lingard and Davis will push Homer and Dallas for playing time.
George, who also played linebacker and defensive end in high school is the second-ranked fullback in the 2018 class. He impressed scouts with his versatility, knowledge of the game and ability to hit.
Miami should be flat out dangerous running the ball. They will have Homer, Dallas, Lingard and Davis competing for carries. George will be helping to clear the way
LSU’s Rush Defense Outlook
LSU is the sixth most talented team in the country according to 247 College Football Team Talent Composite. They are notably trailing fifth-ranked FSU. LSU currently has the 12th ranked 2018 class and had signing classes ranked in the top five in 2014, 2015, 2016 and the seventh-ranked class 2017.
Despite finishing 9-4 with a Citrus Bowl loss to Notre Dame, LSU will be loaded with talent across the board. The Tigers will be a formidable opponent despite losing key defensive underclassmen to the NFL draft.
Notable departures include defensive backs Donte Jackson, Kevin Toliver, II and edge rusher Arden Key. LSU lost 31 underclassmen to the NFL Draft the last six years so this is not unchartered territory.
Sophomore Rashard Lawrence is the only returning starter on the defensive line. Transfer defensive ends Breiden Fehoko and Travez Moore will be eligible to play immediately. Other key returning starters include All-American’s Andraez “Greedy” Williams and SEC-leading tackler Devin White.
For the year, LSU gave up an average of 128.5 rushing yards per game. In LSU’s four losses to Mississippi State, Troy, Alabama and Notre Dame, they gave up an average of 190 rushing yards.
Prediction
Miami’s rushing attack will continue to improve during the Mark Richt era. It will start game one against LSU. Miami’s 2017 and 2018 recruiting classes reflect the importance the coaching staff is putting on running the ball. The high profile linemen and backs Miami has signed indicate that.
Gig Em Gazette
Despite losing key senior offensive linemen Darling and McDermott, Miami will likely replace them with players that have playing experience. The Hurricanes have highly ranked incoming freshmen and redshirt freshmen pushing for playing time.
Homer will pick up where he left off as the starter. Miami will use Dallas in the Wildcat formation like they did in the Orange Bowl against Wisconsin. Dallas can also find success through screen passes and possibly jet sweeps.
As talented as Lingard and Davis are, they will not surpass Homer or Dallas on the depth chart by game one against LSU. Realus George should play early and often against the Tigers and will certainly prove valuable in short yardage and goal-line situations.
This year’s running back group coupled with a mobile quarterback will allow Miami to attack LSU from all angles forcing them to play honest football. The way Coach Richt and his staff have developed players since their arrival, expect improved offensive line play.
Next: Rebuilding DL will be Miami Hurricanes top offseason priority
Miami will rush for over 200 yards and average between five and six yards a carry against LSU. The Hurricanes should be successful in short yardage and goal-line situations.