Set the tempo on offense and defense
The Miami Hurricanes need to set the tempo both offensively and defensively. It’s clear after how Boston College’s offense dictated play against the Miami defense on the first three drives that Duke is likely to attempt to do the same.
The Eagles were also able to use trick plays to move the football. The Hurricanes are going to have to be able to rotate their players defensively and stay disciplined. Boston College had 41 plays for 244 yards on their first three drives of the game against the Hurricanes.
The Eagles third drive ended in a field goal. That gave Boston College a 17-7 lead. That drive consumed 7:04 and utilized 21 plays over 79 yards. It’s tough for a defense to perform well when they are on the field for that long.
Offensively Miami has to be able to consistently move the football. The Hurricanes scored touchdowns on two of their first four possessions against BC. They fizzled after that. That’s why a sizeable portion of the Hurricanes media and fan base didn’t understand why Perry didn’t at least get a chance to play.
Miami had 158 yards on 51 plays over their last eight drives of the game. Those are the kind of numbers the Hurricanes defense holds FCS and lower level FBS teams do. It’s nearly impossible to with those numbers.