Miami football versus Middle Tennessee State pass and red zone defense
The Miami football team should be able to improve offensively versus Middle Tennessee State after not scoring a touchdown in last week’s 17-9 loss at Texas A&M. Middle Tennessee State has a generous pass defense, but has been stout in the red zone. The Blue Raiders are 80th allowing 230.7 passing yards per game.
The Miami pass offense has regressed from 2021. Miami is 56th nationally averaging 256 passing yards per game. Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was 21-41 for 217 yards versus Texas A&M. Van Dyke was 11-19 for 100 yards in the fourth quarter. Miami needs more consistency in passing throughout each game.
The Miami football team is completing 59.6 percent of its passes for 358 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 126.31 passer rating in the first half in 2022. Miami is completing 73.5 percent of its passes for 410 yards, two TDs, no interceptions and a 157.22 passer rating in the second half this season.
Middle Tennessee State might force the Miami football team to use the pass to set up the run. Miami has been far more successful running than passing in 2022. Middle Tennessee State is 23rd nationally allowing 2.67 yards per carry this season. The Blue Raiders have been far better defensively in the first half in 2022.
are completing 64.8 percent of their passes for 307 yards, three TDs, three interceptions and a 119.79 passer rating in the first half in 2022 versus Middle Tennessee State. Middle Tennessee State is allowing a 63.2 completion rate for 385 yards, seven TDs, one interception and a 203.80 passer rating.
Miami should be able to wear Middle Tennessee State down on the line of scrimmage. Long drives should work in Miami’s favor. Miami will need to convert their chances in the red zone after settling for three field goals inside the 20 against Texas A&M. Middle Tennessee State is 10th nationally in red zone defense.
The Blue Raiders have held opponents to scores on 55.56 percent of their red zone trips to rank 10th nationally. Miami is 54th converting 88.89 percent of its red zone trips. The Hurricanes are 84th with 61.11 percent of its red zone trips resulting in TDs. Miami has to get more efficient in the red zone.
Next. Miami challenge versus active Middle Tennessee defense. dark
Middle Tennessee State plays aggressively defensively, but Miami should be able to move the ball through the air versus the Blue Raiders. Expect Van Dyke to bounce back from a mostly poor performance versus Texas A&M and be able to move the ball through the air and score TDs in the red zone versus Middle Tennessee State.