Run, stop the run, Miami football key versus Rutgers

Rutgers is 127th nationally in passing yards per game. The Miami football team is starting third-team quarterback Jacurri Brown. Expect a heavy focus on the run from both offenses on Thursday in the Pinstripe Bowl. Miami is 43rd nationally, averaging 176.75 rushing yards per game. Rutgers is 57th averaging 165.42.

The passing games from both teams are questionable entering the Pinstripe Bowl. Rutgers averages 142.0 passing yards per game and ranks last nationally by completing 48.4 percent of its pass attempts. The Scarlet Knights are also 126th with a 105.80 passer rating. Miami has been far better at stopping the run than the pass in 2023.

Miami is 70th nationally allowing 227.0 passing yards per game. The Hurricanes have been more efficient against the pass than the bulk numbers indicate. Miami is 24th nationally allowing a 57.4 completion percentage, 55th allowing 7.1 yards per attempt, 29th with only 16 passing TDs allowed and 38th with a 124.84 opponent's passer rating.

Miami has been mostly elite against the run. The Hurricanes allow 97.08 rushing yards per game. The Miami run defense has often been the difference between winning and losing in 2023. Miami allows 72.00 rushing yards per game and 2.46 yards per carry in their wins. The Hurricanes are allowing 132.20 rushing YPG and 4.08 YPC in losses.

Miami was shredded by North Carolina for 235 yards rushing and 5.47 YPC. Louisville had 162 rushing yards and 4.76 YPC versus Miami. The Hurricanes are 14th nationally this season allowing 3.17 YPC. Rutgers is 57th averaging 165.42 rushing YPG and 77th averaging 4.21 YPC. Rutgers runs 60.78 percent of the time, 12th nationally.

Rutgers is 45th nationally allowing 137.75 rushing YPG, 56th with opponents averaging 4.01 YPC and 38th allowing 14 TDs on the ground. Rutgers is led by Kyle Monangai who has 1,099 yards rushing, averages 5.06 YPC and has scored seven TDs this season. Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt has 488 yards rushing 4.00 on YPC with nine TDs this season.

Miami is 43rd nationally averaging 176.75 rushing yards per game and 14th averaging 5.2 YPC. With Brown starting expect a heavier-than-usual dose of the running game by Miami that includes him. Brown had 54 carries for 223 yards in 2022. Whoever best establishes and stops the run in the Pinstripe Bowl should win.