Miami was 5-6 for 41 yards passing and on third down with two first downs. The Hurricanes were 1-1 for 20 yards and a first down in their lone fourth-down attempt. Miami ran four times for 25 yards on third and 4-6 yards to go, but only two of those attempts went for first downs. The Hurricanes need more third-down consistency.
On first down, the Hurricanes ran 13 times for 47 yards. Miami completed 12 passes in 15 attempts for 87 yards, one TD and one interception on first down. Six of Miami’s 14 third-down attempts were seven yards or longer. Miami has to be more efficient on earlier downs to relieve the pressure of converting on third down.
The Appalachian State defense held East Carolina to five conversions in 16 attempts on third down. Eleven of those 16 attempts were four or more yards. East Carolina completed four passes in nine attempts for 64 yards on third and four or more. Miami does not want to get into third and long against Appalachian State.
Being efficient early in downs and avoiding third and long with better red zone efficiency will be critical for the Miami football team the remainder of the season. Against Alabama, Miami converted two times in the red zone with one TD and one interception. The one stop was the infamous fourth and goal from the one.