Miami should have multiple opportunities for big pass plays at South Florida
Facing an aggressive South Florida defense expect Cam Ward to connect for multiple explosive completions on Saturday night in Tampa. Miami is first nationally with 26 completions of 20 yards or more and tied for the best with nine pass plays of 30 yards or more.
South Florida is tied for 100th nationally allowing 11 completions for 20 or more yards and tied for 116th with opponents having seven pass plays for 30 or more yards. Led by wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and tight end Elijah Arroyo Miami has six receivers in the top 100 nationally with receptions of 20 or more yards.
Restrepo is seventh nationally with six receptions for at least 20 yards and Arroyo is 19th with five. In three games, Arroyo has eclipsed the entire total production for Miami TEs during the entire 2023 Miami season. Production from the Miami TEs have been a huge reason for the Hurricanes 3-0 start.
Ward had 10 completions of 20 or more yards at Florida, four versus Florida A&M and 12 versus Ball State. Fifteen different Miami players have receptions in 2024, four have multiple touchdown catches and six have scored at least once through the air.
South Florida should be ready for Miami two weeks after facing Alabama. Alabama had only three completions of more than 20 yards. The Crimson Tide needed three touchdowns in the final six minutes to pull away for a 42-16 win. Alabama has not been the big passing offense that Miami has been this season.
Southern Mississippi set the blueprint for Miami with nine pass plays of 20 or more yards. Three different Southern Mississippi quarterbacks threw for 397 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Only one of the Eagles' big completions went for a TD.
Next. Miami DL has big advantage versus South Florida OL. Miami DL has big advantage versus South Florida OL. dark
South Florida is 91st nationally allowing 237.7 passing yards per game. The Bulls are tied for eight in tackles for loss and 16th in sacks. If Miami can protect Cam Ward for most of the game on Saturday night, he should have opportunities throughout the game to connect for big plays with his receivers.