Miami football continually hindered by penalties and poor offensive line play
A critical penalty stalled Miami on the ensuing drive . On second and five Williams completed a pass to
for four yards. That would have set up third and one at the Miami 43. A 15-yard penalty for an illegal block on wide receiver
put the ball back to the Miami 24 and set up second and 16 at the Miami 28.
Miami was unable to overcome the penalty and had to punt. The Hurricanes were able to escape the first quarter without allowing a sack or tackle for loss. The running game only garnered 27 yards on eight carries. That was a forebearer of the struggles Miami would have running the football throughout the game.
Miami Hurricanes Football
Miami finished with 51 yards on 34 carries. That dropped the Hurricanes to 87th in the nation in rushing offense. Miami is averaging 143.5 rushing yards per game. Without a running game, it will continue to allow opposing pass rushers to be able to get after Williams. The offensive line needs to improve.
One series epitomized the entire game and a good percentage of this season for Miami. With the Hurricanes leading 7-0 in the second quarter, Central Michigan downed a punt at the Hurricanes seven. On first down, a play that was initially ruled a safety was overturned a ruled an incomplete pass.
Two plays later on third and seven after a high snap, Williams was sacked in the end zone. He tried to extend the ball across the goal line but was ruled down and Central Michigan earned their first two points of the game. The Chippewas subsequently drove the ball to the Miami 26 before the Hurricanes recovered a fumble.