Bethune-Cookman had five players account for seven plays of 20 or more yards. The Miami Hurricanes rank 102nd nationally in plays allowed for 20 or more yards. Twelve of those teams have played two games. B-C has multiple FBS transfers on offense. That was far too many big plays allowed versus the FCS Wildcats.
Miami allowed Bethune-Cookman to complete a 24-yard pass play on third and 23 on the opening drive of the game. That conversation was part of a 10-play, 63-yard drive that culminated in the Wildcats kicking a field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Three different Bethune-Cookman receivers had receptions of over 30 yards.
Dylaan Lee who led Bethune Cookman with five receptions for 83 yards had a long of 28. Que’Shaun Byrd had two receptions for 34 yards. That included a 34-yard TD reception. Miami held Bethune-Cookman to 110 yards rushing and 3.2 yards per carry, but the Wildcats did have big plays on the ground.
Backup quarterback Tyrone Franklin had four carries for 30 yards including a long of 21. Miami has to do a better job containing the QB runs. There are several QBs who will challenge Miami running later in the season. The Miami linebacker play is evolving under new co-defensive coordinators Kevin Steele and Charlie Strong.
The Miami Hurricanes need to improve its pass defense. The Hurricanes are 86th in pass defense entering the game on Saturday versus Southern Mississippi. Expect Southern Mississippi to commit to the run. Southern Miss ran for 252 yards and threw for only 137 in its 29-27 loss to Liberty in their season opener on Saturday.
The Golden Eagles are not a big play offense. Southern Mississippi had only three runs of 10 plus yards, one of 20 or more and another of 30 plus yards. The Golden Eagles are 119th nationally with just four pass plays of 10 or more yards. Generating a pass rush and improved play from the secondary is critical for Miami.