Mario Cristobal credits RB coach Matt Merritt for performance versus Louisville

Miami ran 40 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday at Louisville. It was the best-rushing performance Miami had in over a month. During his post-game press conference Miami head coach Mario Cristobal credited running backs coach Matt Merritt for the success Miami had running at Louisville.

Merritt had the foresight to recognize the great week of practice from Ajay Allen and that he could make a difference versus Louisville. Allen had five carries for 31 yards and a touchdown and one reception for five yards. All of Allen's touches came in the fourth quarter.

Damien Martinez led Miami with 12 carries for 79 yards and a 30-yard TD run in the fourth quarter that basically iced the game. Mark Fletcher started and 13 carries for 73 yards and four receptions for 26 yards. Quarterback Cam Ward had seven carries for 29 yards, which included yardage lost on sacks.]

Miami leaned on the run in the second half to control the clock. The Hurricanes had 27 carries for 142 yards in the second half. Miami entered the game 47th nationally averaging 183.83 rushing yards per game but 14th averaging 5.63 yards per carry. Allen, Fletcher and Martinez provide Miami with versatility in the backfield.

"Credit to Coach Merritt. He felt that Ajay had a great week of practice. He was going to provide a great change-up. And he really did. I mean, those couple of first downs he had were key, and then Damien (Martinez) got going. I mean, he just about carried everybody into the endzone. So Mark [Fletcher) had a good day.""

- Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.

Allen, Fletch and Martinez all had key runs on Saturday. Martinez had five runs for first downs versus Louisville including the TD. Fletcher ran for five first downs and Allen had two only five carries. The Miami RBs were clutch when they needed to be. Allen, Fletcher and Martinez all had carries overpowering Louisville defenders.

Miami plays three of the four worst rushing defenses in their next four games. Georgia Tech who is third in the ACC allowing 103.71 rushing yards per game is the only run defense in the ACC that Miami plays in their next four games. Miami finishes the season versus Syracuse who is ninth in the ACC allowing 127.50 rushing YPG.