Mario Cristobal hired Corey Hetherman earlier this month as the new Miami defensive coordinator from Minnesota. Minnesota was ninth nationally allowing 16.9 points per game, fifth permitting 285.7 yards per game, 12th allowing 109.62 rushing yards per game and ninth with opponents averaging 176.1 passing yards per game.
Minnesota played a difficult schedule in 2024 with 11 of its 13 games versus Power Conference opponents. The Golden Gophers still posted strong numbers versus its Power Conference opponents. Minnesota remained 12th versus power conference opponents allowing 20.0 PPG.
The Golden Gophers were eighth in total defense nationally allowing 309.7 total yards per game versus 2024 Power Conference opponents, 21st allowing 122.64 rushing yards per game and 19th allowing 187.1 passing yards per game. The numbers went up as expected versus Power Conference opponents.
Minnesota's defensive rankings only went slightly down versus Power Conference opponents in 2024. Despite being in the Big 10, Minnesota only played two ranked teams in 2024. Minnesota won at then-number 16 Illinois 25-17 and lost and fifth-ranked Penn State 26-25.
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— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) January 11, 2025
-- At Minnesota this year, he took over a defense that ranked 69th nationally in points allowed per game the previous season.
-- At Miami, he would be taking over a defense that ranks -- yes -- 69th nationally in points allowed per game this season.
The 21.5 PPG Minnesota allowed versus Illinois and Penn State combined is 10th nationally versus ranked teams in 2024. Minnesota allowed 352 yards to Illinois and 361 versus Penn State. The combined average of 356.5 total yards versus Illinois and Penn State is 19th nationally versus 2024 ranked teams.
Minnesota allowed 126 rushing yards and one touchdown versus Illinois and 117 and two scores versus Penn State. The Golden Gophers' 121.50 combined rushing yards versus Illinois and Penn State ranked 19th nationally. Miami was 20th in 2024 allowing 122.00 rushing yards versus ranked teams.
Illinois threw for 226 yards and one TD versus Minnesota and Penn State had 244 and a score. The 235.0 YPG Minnesota allowed versus Illinois and Penn State puts Minnesota 46th nationally in pass defense versus ranked teams. Miami was 57th nationally overall in pass defense in 2024 allowing 214.4 YPG.
Mario Cristobal has significantly upgraded the Miami secondary in 2025. Miami has added five highly ranked transfer defensive backs to its 2025 roster. Louisiana Tech transfer defensive tackle David Blay is also expected to be an impact player for Hetherman in his inaugural season as the Miami defensive coordinator.