Miami football: Situational plays could determine Pinstripe Bowl versus Rutgers

Miami has been a near sieve defensively, allowing opponents to score on 86.36 percent of their red zone trips this season. That is 97th nationally. Miami was adept at holding its opponents to red-zone field goals. The Hurricanes are 27th nationally, allowing TDs on 52.27 percent of opponents' red zone trips.

Miami is 82nd in red zone defense versus Power Five opponents. The Hurricanes are 30th, allowing Power Five opponents to score TDs on only 52.50 percent of its red zone trips. Against a one dimensional Rutgers offense, Miami can lock in what they want to do defensively versus Rutgers.

Third Down

After a bad midseason stretch on third down, Miami is now 23rd, converting 41.72 percent of its third-down attempts to rank 47th nationally. Miami is 54th nationally versus Power Five opponents, converting 38.71 percent of its third down attempts. Rutgers has often struggled on third down defensively in 2023.

The Scarlet Knights are 71st, allowing opponents to convert 39.49 percent of their third down attempts. Rutgers is 78th, allowing 42.42 percent third down conversions to Power Five opponents. Third-down defense was often the difference between winning and losing this season for Rutgers.