The 2018 season was one of the most disappointing in the history of Miami football. While fans and media largely blamed the Hurricanes offense, the defense needs to improve as well.
In his introductory press conference as the Miami Football Head Coach Manny Diaz stated that the entire staff beginning with him has to own 7-6. While the blame in the general public is largely put on the Miami offense, the defense also had issues this season.
Diaz spent the past three seasons under recently retired Head Coach Mark Richt as the Defensive Coordinator on the Miami Football staff. Four times in 2018 teams ran for over 200 yards against Diaz’s defense. That culminated in the 333-yard debacle allowed against Wisconsin in the 35-3 loss in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Boston College also ran for over 200 yards against the Hurricanes defense. Miami was 1-3 in those games. Six Miami opponents, including the four mentioned, averaged better than four yards per carry. Miami was 1-5 in those games. The Hurricanes defense also needs to improve in 2019.
Wisconsin’s dominance on the ground against the Miami defense in the Pinstripe Bowl dropped the Hurricanes from second to fifth in total defense. Miami’s run defense dropped from 25th in the country to 42nd. It’s an issue that has to be worked out.
The Hurricanes were without star defensive tackle Gerald Willis in the Pinstripe Bowl, but the Senior moves on to the NFL in 2019. There are no standouts at defensive tackle for Miami returning in 2019. Diaz and Defensive Line Coach Jess Simpson are going to have to find the next star on the defensive interior.
Diaz made it clear in his opening press conference that everyone who is a part of the Miami football team and staff is responsible for the 7-6 debacle in 2018. Christy Cabrera Chirinos posted an excerpt of Diaz’s statement about accountability in the Sun Sentinel.
"“Everyone in this building has to own 7-6, starting with me. I’ll say that one more time: Everybody has to own 7-6. There’s not a blame to the people who were not retained on the [offensive] staff as if it’s all their fault.If you wore the U on the side of your helmet last year or you wore it over your heart on a coaching shirt, we are all responsible for 7-6. Therefore, it is all of our responsibility to do everything we can to make sure that never happens again.I do not want to have a tone set where certain guys can think they have status, certain guys can think ‘Well, that wasn’t on me.’ That is not true.”"
During the season it was stated by players, coaches and some in the media that were close to the team that everyone was united. After the loss to Wisconsin that was disputed by some of the Miami players.
Departed Miami running back Travis Homer cited a lack of effort and Sophomore Defensive end
a victim mentality on defense. Some statements after the Pinstripe Bowl stated that the team was fractured and Richt might have lost the locker room.
Garvin elaborated after the Pinstripe Bowl.
"“The term picking up the pieces is an exaggeration. I don’t think its that bad. It may seem that way. Social media can make it seem that way. But [we’re] not picking up the pieces. We’ve just got to bring everybody together, keep it together and be strong and correct the little things that make a big difference.”"
Garvin was one of the most improved players on the Miami defense this season. He will be one of the leaders on next year’s defense. His comments were strong and he seems committed to the Miami locker room being more united in 2019. Garvin, the Senior linebacker corps and Trajan Bandy will be the defensive leaders in 2019.
The Miami defense returns six starters in 2019. In addition to the aforementioned players above, defensive tackle Pat Bethel returns as do linebackers, Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud. Romeo Finley started four games at striker last season and could be moved back to safety.