Miami defensive line has big advantage versus South Florida offensive line
The Miami offensive line has a big advantage over the South Florida defensive line entering Saturday's game in Tampa. Miami is in the top 15 nationally in most defensive line stats. South Florida ranks below 120th in tackles for loss and sacks allowed through the first three games during the 2024 season.
Per David Lake of Inside the U, Pro Football Focus graded the South Florida offensive line 120th in pass blocking and 118th in run blocking nationally. Despite the run-blocking grade South Florida is eighth nationally averaging 268.67 rushing yards per game. Miami should be expected to stack the box versus South Florida.
Miami is 12th nationally allowing 65.67 rushing yards per game, eighth with 27 tackles for loss and tied for second with 12 sacks. Edge rusher Tyler Baron is having an All-American season for Miami. Baron is second nationally with seven TFLs and tied for third with 4.5 sacks.
South Florida has been consistently elite rushing. The Bulls have rushed for over 200 yards in each game this season. South Florida ran 46 times for 206 yards and a touchdown versus Alabama. Alabama had seven TFLs and four sacks while holding South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown to 15-35 for 103 yards.
It’s only September but safe to say Miami absolutely nailed their defensive line transfer haul. Tyler Baron, Simeon Barrow, and Elijah Alston are difference makers.
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) September 14, 2024
Miami has been dominant on the defensive line, with 2023 ACC Rookie Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Bain out with an injury since the opening series of the season at Florida. Miami can reach another level on the defensive line when Bain returns. Bain and Baron would be one of the best end tandems nationally.
During his press conference this week, Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry stated the goal against South Florida is to limit the run and make South Florida one-dimensional. Getting ahead and making South Florida throw will put the Miami DL in a position to rush the passer.
Next. Shutting down the run Miami priority at South Florida. Shutting down the run Miami priority at South Florida. dark
Miami should be able to wear down South Florida on both sides of the line of scrimmage throughout the game. Expect the physicality of the Miami DL to eventually dominate South Florida as the game progresses. Baron particularly should have a big game on Saturday night in Tampa.