The Miami Hurricanes allowed Alabama 147 yards rushing on 38 carries for a 3.9-yard average. In the post-mortem following the loss to Alabama, Miami head coach Manny Diaz stated he was pleased with the improvement the Hurricanes had stopping the run on Saturday against the Crimson Tide over last year.
Miami needed to stop the run against Alabama to have a chance to win. The problem was the Hurricanes pass defense broke down, particularly on third down. Alabama was an astronomical 10 for 16 on third downs against Miami. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was 8-10 for 157 yards and two touchdowns on third down.
Seven of those eight completions went for first downs. Diaz felt the poor execution by Miami on third down was the difference in the game. Getting Alabama in third down and five or more yards to go should have gotten Miami off the field quicker according to Diaz. Young was 5-5 for 110 yards and one TD on third down and 4-6 yards.
On third and 7-9 yards to go, Young was 3-3 for 46 yards and a one TD. The Miami Hurricanes secondary has to improve starting with Appalachian State on Saturday. Appalachian State is a run-first team. Cornerback Te’Cory Couch was the best Miami defensive back in pass coverage against Alabama.
Couch was targeted once and did not allow a reception. Pro Football Focus via
graded Couch 81.9 tackling which was the highest on the Miami Hurricanes, a run defense rating of 77.1 and 67.5 overall. Couch played the third-most snaps of the CBs on Saturday.
who started with Couch did not grade as well.
Ivey played 50 snaps and allowed five of the seven targets thrown against him to be caught for 112 yards via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Ivey graded out at 56.6 by PFF from CaneSport. Georgia transfer Tyrique Stevenson was supposed to improve the talent for Miami in the secondary.
Canes DBs coach Travaris Robinson is checking in now.
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) September 6, 2021
"I thought some of the guys played well. Some of the guys did not. I thought as a group we have to do a better job communicating..."
"We have to continue to go out and fix our mistakes..."
Couch and Ivey beat out Stevenson to become starters. Stevenson graded out at 51.9 by PFF which was the lowest between those three. Miami needs better play from its safeties in addition to their CBs beginning with Appalachian State on Saturday. Bubba Bolden graded at 51.8 play just 23 snaps before being ejected for targeting.
Amari Carter received a 48.6 grade after moving from striker. Sharing the snaps with Carter at striker, Gilbert Frierson rated 42.3. Gurvan Hall was involved on two of the Alabama touchdown passes. That included the 94-yard strike from Young to Jameson Williams. Freshmen Kamren Kinchens and James Williams played well.
Kinchens had seven tackles and one forced fumble. Williams received the third-highest grade on Miami with a 71.1 overall and earned a tackling grade of 78.1 playing primarily in the second half. with two tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. DBs coach Travaris Robinson said on Monday Williams has earned more playing time.
Miami will not face its biggest test from a QB until they play North Carolina and Sam Howell in Chapel Hill on October 16. Appalachian State and Michigan State will test Miami more on the ground. Miami needs a better performance out of its secondary than they had against Alabama and in 2020.