Miami football needs to improve red zone and third downs

Against East Carolina, Brice completed four passes in six attempts for 40 yards and three first downs. Brice was 1-3 for 18 yards and one first down on third down with four or more yards to go. Miami has to get Appalachian State into third and long situations and force them into passing downs in the red zone.

Appalachian State scored in four of their five red-zone trips with two field goals and two touchdowns. Alabama scored on all of its red zone trips against Miami with two TDs and two FGs. The Hurricanes have to get more stout in the red zone. Miami has to take Appalachian State out of its comfort zone.

The Mountaineers emphasize the run. Against East Carolina, Appalachian State ran 36 times for 226 yards and two TDs. Brice was 20-27 for 259 yards, two TDs and one interception. All most all of the damage the Mountaineers did running came on first and second down. Miami has to be stout against the run in early downs.

Appalachian State ran 18 times for 121, four first downs and two TDs on first down and had 13 carries for 106 yards and five first downs on second down against East Carolina. The Mountaineers had five runs of 10 or more yards and one for 20 on first down and three of 10 plus and one of 20 plus on second down.