Miami Hurricanes have been hindered by opponent hidden yards

Hidden yards have had a huge impact on the Miami Hurricanes season both positive and negative.

Opponents getting good field position and the Miami  Hurricanes defense scoring four touchdowns plus setting up the Canes offense have been significant in 2018.

The 27-3 deficit that the Miami Hurricanes were in at halftime against LSU had a lot to do with field position. Three of the Tigers four first-half scoring drives began at their own 42-yard line or better. LSU also added a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown.

LSU’s two third-quarter field goal drives began at their own 44 and the Miami 41. Turnovers and interceptions proved fatal to Miami’s hopes of securing a season-opening victory. LSU’s average scoring drive began at their own 37-yard line. That compared to their own 35-yard line on non-scoring drives.

Two of those drives ended the halves. The Tigers final drive began at the Miami Hurricanes 24-yard line and likely would have been a scoring drive if it did not end the game.

In comparison, the Miami Hurricanes had three scoring drives. The Canes began their scoring drives at an average of their 24.6-yard line. Their overall average drive was nearly identical. The Canes began their non-scoring drives at their own 24.2-yard line on average. Turnovers and punting made a huge difference.

LSU was plus two in turnover margin with Malik Rosier throwing two interceptions.LSU had none and neither team lost a fumble. The Tigers had a distinct advantage in punting as well. LSU’s Zach VonRosenberg averaged 40.6 yards per punt, Zach Feagles 36.4.

Feagles who is the son of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Jeff Feagles has not lived up to his potential during his first two seasons of college. He lost the punting job following the FIU game but returned against Virginia and had the fourth best game of his career averaging 43.7 yards per punt.