Former Miami quarterback Malik Rosier posted to X on Saturday that he doesn't think Hurricanes' defensive coordinator Lance Guidry needs to be fired. Rosier led Miami to the 2017 ACC Coastal Division Title and their only berth in the conference championship game that season.
Current Miami QB Cam Ward broke Rosier's Miami single-season with 29 touchdowns responsible for in the Hurricanes 53-31 win over Duke on Saturday. Guidry's defense has been often maligned. Miami is 53rd nationally allowing 22.6 points per game and 19th allowing 310.7 total yards per game.
Miami's dominant defensive performances in non-conference games influenced their numbers. Miami is 14th in the ACC, allowing 32.4 PPG and fifth, allowing 373.0 yards per game versus conference opponents. The Hurricanes are first in the ACC in total defense and seventh in scoring defense overall.
In 2024, Miami has allowed significantly more points than anticipated based on the yards given up. The Hurricanes rank 96th nationally, allowing 13.4 yards per point. In ACC games, Miami permits 11.5 YPP. Four out of the five ACC opponents have gained at least 370 yards versus Miami in 2024.
I do not think Guidry needs to get fired
— Malik Rosier (@MalikRosier12) November 3, 2024
I think he should slickly adjust his coverages and change some stuff up
But to fire him is crazy… Football is a game of adjust
Most defenses now a days are put at a disadvantage so just chill and trust Mario
Miami held an anemic Florida State offense to 248 total yards. South Florida was the non-conference opponent with over 300 yards versus Miami with 365. Miami is 48th nationally allowing 10.3 PPG and 14th with opponents averaging 232.8 total yards per game in non-conference contests.
The Miami defense has shined this season in the second half. more specifically, the fourth quarter. Miami is 23rd nationally, allowing 9.9 PPG in the second half and 31st, permitting 5.1 PPG in the fourth quarter. Some fourth quarter points allowed were after the game was decided.
Miami has held multiple dominant fourth quarters defensively in 2024. California had 26 total yards and three points in the fourth quarter as Miami rallied from a 38-18 deficit with 14:13 remaining in the game to win 39-38. Duke had three points and 51 yards in the fourth quarter as Miami pulled away for the dominant win.
Miami had dominant third quarters defensively versus Louisville and Virginia Tech, stifling the number of yards they permitted in close wins. Miami needs to limit the number of big plays allowed and a more consistent pass rush. If Miami cleans up its flaws, the defense can complement the offense for the remainder of 2024.