Miami Continues Troublesome Trend of Slow Starts in Loss to Georgia Tech

The Miami Hurricanes' perfect record was ended on Saturday in Atlanta as they fell 28-23 to Georgia Tech. This loss has since dropped Miami from fourth to 12th nationally. There are many ways to dissect this game and what was the Canes' undoing.

The usually stout Miami run defense allowed 271 yards on the ground. However, today, we're looking at a concerning trend that has developed for Miami this season, slow starts. Perseverance is a necessary attribute for a true championship contender in any sport.

Routinely putting yourself in situations to come from behind is not a requirement. Not playing a full 60 minutes of complimentary football is bad for business. To outside observers, a win on Saturday for Miami was a forgone conclusion, and it should've been.

Miami came into the game 9-0, with a top Heisman candidate at quarterback, being favored 9.5 points, and playing an inferior opponent. Miami consistently puts itself in difficult positions and on Saturday, this finally caught up with them. The contrast between Miami's performance in the first half and the second half has been remarkably stark this season.

"This was the sixth game in 10 that Miami had trailed., the fourth game they had trailed by 10 or more in the second half -- and the first they had failed to summon a Cam Ward miracle."

Greg Cote Miami Herald

Miami currently has the number one offense in the nation with 43.8 points per game and 544.3
yards-per-game. If we isolate just the points scored in the second half they are still first with 24.7 points per second half. However, in the first half, they are 17th in the nation with 19.1 points. That's 5.6 points per half lower in the first.

When we examine the defensive statistics, the situation appears even more concerning. Miami currently ranks 58th in the nation, allowing an average of 24.7 PPG. Miami is somewhat better in the second half, ranking 24th nationally with an average of 10.3 points allowed. However, in the first half, Miami ranks 81st nationally, giving up an average of 14.3 points.

To sum it up, the Miami offense and defense are ranked in the top 24 in the nation in points scored in the second half. Those same two units are ranked 17th and 81st in the nation in the first half, respectively.

One loss does not define a team, and Miami still controls its own destiny in the playoff race. According to FanDuel, they currently have the 12th best odds to make the playoffs at -125. Additionally, FanDuel lists them as the favorites to win the ACC Championship with odds of -105.

As the college football season reaches its midpoint, analysts are evaluating top contenders for vulnerabilities. Miami, struggling with defensive inconsistencies, urgently needs to improve to reverse its fortunes and remain competitive in the upcoming season