Miami Hurricanes defensive keys to stopping Florida Gators

Miami was shredded on the ground in losses last season. Hurricanes opponents ran for 205.17 and 4.46 yards per carry in Miami losses. Limiting Florida on the ground and making Franks beat them will be key on Saturday night in Orlando.

Inside the U noted that in their three losses in 2018 none of the Gators running backs topped 65 yards. In Florida’s three losses in 2018, Perine ran for just 138 yards or an average of 46 per game. It was also referenced that Perine exploded for 346 yards on the ground on 41 carries with four TDs in Florida’s final three games of 2018.

Elite third-down defense

Another key will be third downs. After third-down defense was a weakness in 2017, Miami led the nation in third-down conversion defense in 2018. Opponents converted 25.27 percent of their third-down attempts in 2018. If the Hurricanes can get Florida in third and long that it when turnovers are more likely to happen.

Florida Quarterback Feleipe Franks struggled under pressure last season. Inside the U examined Franks under pressure in 2018 as measured by Pro Football Focus.

"“According to Pro Football Focus, Franks completed just 26 percent of his passes when he was put under pressure last season. In the three losses in 2018—to Kentucky, Missouri, and Georgia—Florida converted just 2-of-18 third downs in which the Gators faced 3rd-and-8 or longer. When everyone in the stadium knows Franks is going to pass it, he hasn’t been very good.”"

There are other obvious metrics like winning the turnover battle and getting to the QB. If Miami can get to Franks and rattle him into some poor decisions that could change the tide of the game.

The Hurricanes are at their best under Diaz when forcing turnovers. Saturday night should be buzzing in Camping World Stadium. Let the 2019 College Football Season Begin!!!!!