Chip Patterson of CBS Sports named the Miami football team the second-best in the ACC behind Clemson in his Chip Shots column.
The Miami football team was ranked second in the ACC by CBS Sports college football analyst Chip Patterson. Patterson was impressed by the play of Miami quarterback D’Eriq King, and the dominance of the Miami DL. Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche have led a sturdy Miami defensive line through three games.
The Miami offense is ranked second in the ACC in scoring averaging 43.3 points per game and first in total offense posting 499 yards per game through the first three games this season. The Hurricanes have proven the ability to create big plays as they did against Louisville or sustained drives versus Florida State.
Patterson acknowledged the performance of the Miami defensive line against Florida State. The Miami defensive line produced six tackles for loss and one sack in the victory against the Seminoles. The Miami defense recorded 10 TFLs and three sacks against Florida State. Patterson summarized the Miami football season.
"2. Miami (3): “The climb continues after a wildly impressive win against Florida State, where the opponent should not limit the shine of the victory. Not only did D’Eriq King and the offense continue to pour on the points, but Miami’s defensive line showed why it deserves recognition as one of the best in the league.Clemson and Pitt often get mentioned first, but Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche lead an equally nasty group that can put pressure on the quarterback in game-changing ways.”"
Miami is third in the ACC with 31 tackles for loss in three games. Pittsburgh leads the conference with 34 in their first three games. The Panthers and Hurricanes also top the conference in sacks through their first three games played in 2020. Pittsburgh has been dominant with 17 sacks, Miami is tied for second with 10 sacks.
The Miami defensive line could be able to pressure Trevor Lawrence in Death Valley a week from Saturday. The Clemson offensive line has allowed four sacks through the Tigers’ first two games this season. Clemson will face a tough Virginia defense on Saturday. The Hurricanes have been able to bring pressure from everywhere.
Miami linebacker Zach McCloud, defensive tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte and Roche are all tied for fourth in the ACC with two sacks. Roche leads Miami with three TFLs. The Hurricanes defense has continued the aggressive approach they have had throughout the Manny Diaz era as defensive coordinator and head coach.