Miami defensive line should feast versus California offensive line
The Miami defensive line should dominate a California offensive line that has been porous in 2024. California is 130th nationally allowing 8.25 tackles for loss per game and 131st with four sacks per game. The return of 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain should also boost the Miami DL.
Miami enters the game at California ninth nationally, averaging nine TFLs per game and third nationally, averaging 3.6 sacks per game. Pro Football Focus grades Miami second nationally with an 89.8 defensive line grade and first with a 45.8 pressure rate.
The 59.3 PFF grade for the California OL is the seventh-lowest among Power Conference programs. California has the ninth-highest sack/hit rate nationally at 18.8 percent. California quarterback Fernando Mendoza has balanced the poor OL line with a 67.2 pressure grade that is 27th nationally.
Tyler Baron has led the Miami DL with 7.5 sacks and 4.5 TFLs. Malik Bryant has emerged with five TFLs and 1.5 sacks as the third edge rusher behind Elijah Alston and Baron. Akheem Mesidor provides Miami with versatility as an edge rusher and tackle. Simeon Barrow has been a force at DT.
Rueben Bain "is a go" for this week and will play at Cal on Saturday night, Mario Cristobal says in his weekly appearance on WQAM. Jalen Rivers will be a "game-time decision."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 30, 2024
The California OL has been consistently bad this season. UC Davis had six TFLs and one sack, Auburn eight TFLs and two sacks, San Diego State had seven TFLs and six sacks and Florida State had 12 TFLs and seven sacks. California is the only win for Florida State this season in a 1-4 start.
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Florida State is the only 2024 California opponent in the top 10 nationally in sacks. In their other four games, Florida State has only nine sacks. Miami has at least six TFLs and two sacks in every game this season. The Miami DL versus the California OL is a classic example of strength versus weakness. Miami's DL should feast versus California.