Center Matt Lee and guards Javion Cohen and Anez Cooper were named by Pro Football Focus to its week nine team of the week. Cohen led the way on Mark Fletcher’s game-winning touchdown run in overtime as the Miami football team defeated Virginia 29-23. The Miami offensive line was exemplary versus Virginia.
Led by Cohen, Cooper and Lee the Miami offensive line was dominant versus Virginia. Miami held the Virginia defense without a sack and to three tackles for loss. The Hurricanes averaged 4.3 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per completion in the win over Virginia. The Miami offensive line improved throughout the game.
Miami had 80 of its 251 total yards in the fourth quarter. After going 9-16 through the first three quarters Tyler Van Dyke was 11-14 for 82 yards in the fourth quarter. Van Dyke led two scoring drives that culminated in Andres Borregales’ field goals that allowed Miami to tie the game and send it to overtime.
The Miami offensive line and running back Mark Fletcher took the game over in overtime. Fletcher had three consecutive carries in overtime that culminated with the game-winning 11-yard touchdown run. Cohen visibly led the way on the game-winning run as the Miami football team won in OT for the second consecutive week.
PFF’s Week 9 College Football Team of the Week: Offense♨️ pic.twitter.com/L8A70xiVEO
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 30, 2023
Pro Football Focus named Miami their offensive line of the week. Lee is one of the highest-graded centers in the country by Pro Football Focus with an excellent chance of being named a 2023 All-American. Cohen and Cooper should compete to earn All-ACC at the least. Miami has significantly improved on the OL in 2023.
Cohen, Cooper, Lee and tackles Jalen Rivers and true freshman Francis Mauigoa have played the vast majority of snaps for Miami in 2023. The starting five OL played all 56 Miami offensive snaps versus Virginia. Backup OL Matthew McCoy entered the game for two snaps when Miami went with a jumbo formation.
Miami needs their OL to stay healthy. The Hurricanes have little depth or experience on the OL. Miami lost five-star OL Samson Okunlola with a season-ending injury earlier this year. The Miami OL will be challenged over their next three games with North Carolina State, Florida State and Louisville in the top seven in the ACC in sacks.