Miami Hurricanes relied heavily on defensive starters vs. Florida

Secondary

Cornerbacks

• Al Blades Jr. 56 snaps, Trajan Bandy 53 and Te’Cory Couch 12.

Blades played every snap primarily because sophomore CB D.J. Ivey was suspended for the game against Florida. Bandy and Blades were outstanding against Florida. According to the Herald’s Barry Jackson, Bandy allowed one catch on five targets for 13 yards. Blades did not allow any on one target plus a pass interference call.

Blades also had a critical unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the second half that pushed a Miami drive back from beginning on the Florida 25 to the Gators 40.

Safety

• Amari Carter 54, Gurvan Hall 51 and Robert Knowles 16.

Carter was exceptional playing all but two snaps. David Lake of Inside the U noted that Carter was only targeted once and allowed a 14-yard reception. Carter graded out with a 67.6 in pass coverage, had one interception. According to PFF, Carter missed one tackle on the night but finished second to Hall with seven tackles. Hall had eight.

Miami was thin at safety after Derrick Smith announced he was transferring. Smith eventually decided to go to Illinois. Knowles will likely see more playing time as the season progresses. The Hurricanes also have four-star freshman Keontra Smith at safety.

Safety is one of the most important positions in the Manny Diaz defense. A safety has led Miami in tackles in each of Diaz’s three seasons leading the Hurricanes defense. With his disciple Baker succeeding him as defensive coordinator that is likely to continue.