Can Miami keep Cal RB Jaydn Ott from breaking out?

In their four nonconference games this year, Miami's defense held the opposition to 259 rushing yards on 105 carries, counting sacks. That comes out to a stellar 2.4 yards per carry. The Virginia Tech Hokies, however, gashed Miami's defense for 206 yards on 32 carries, good for 6.4 yards per carry.

The Hurricanes face another test in their second ACC game of the year in Cal's Jaydn Ott. Ott led the entire Pac-12 with 246 rushing attempts and 1,315 yards a year ago, but he has been stifled early this year. He has 40 carries for just 133 yards in three games, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.

Ott's stat lines have been ugly. Against UC Davis, he carried the ball 14 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Against Auburn, just 11 yards on 10 carries. And then against a rough Florida State team, he had his best game with 16 carries and 73 yards.

Ott missed Cal's game against San Diego State on September 14 with an ankle injury. That ankle injury could still be lingering. The major question heading into Miami's matchup with Cal is, can the Hurricanes hold Ott down for another week, or is he due to break out?

A lot will be determined by whether Miami can pull away with a big lead. That was the case in their first four games of the year, and it forced the opposition to throw. Miami allowed Virginia Tech to hang in and hold a lead for most of their game, which allowed the Hokies to utilize their star rusher, Bhayshul Tuten, who racked up 141 yards and a touchdown on 7.1 yards per carry.

Cal's defense has held opponents to 51 points through four games, or 12.75 points per game. Of course, they haven't faced a truly powerful offense yet, but it would be a surprise if Miami is up three or four scores in the first half. That'll allow the Golden Bears to use Jaydn Ott early.

If the Hurricanes put on the same tackling performance as they did in their ACC opener, Ott will run wild, and Cal will hang in for most of the game. But if Miami can clean up their tackling and get several defenders around Ott at all times, it will be another long game for him.

How Miami responds to their performance against Virginia Tech will say a lot about the team, especially against a proven rusher in Jaydn Ott. If they want to make a statement, holding Ott to another down game would certainly be a big one.