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South Florida poses challenge for Miami offensive line

The Miami offensive will be challenge by a South Florida defense that ranks in the top 20 nationally producing negative plays.

By Alan Rubenstein

Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) runs with the football against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) runs with the football against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Miami will play against a South Florida on Saturday that is tied for eighth in tackles for loss, 16th in sacks and that has been fairly good at stopping the run this season. This should be the biggest challenge for the Miami offensive line this season. South Florida's defense is predicated on producing negative plays.

Miami is 16th nationally allowing three tackles for loss and 35th in giving up three sacks in 2024. The Hurricanes are 23rd nationally averaging 6.0 yards per carry rushing. South Florida is 31st nationally holding opponents to 3.04 yards per carry. Alabama had 42 carries for 199 yards and four TDs versus South Florida.

Miami was named the National Offensive Line of the Week by Pro Football Focus with an 84.8 grade. The Hurricanes earned the honor with three OL starters out versus Ball State. Starting left tackle Jalen Rivers and right guard Anez Cooper are projected to return from injuries versus South Florida.

Per Christopher Stock of Inside the U, PFF grades Miami as the 17th-best pass-blocking team and 49th-best run-blocking team nationally in 2024. Miami is 16th nationally allowing sacks on only 1.3 percent of their dropbacks. Per Stock, USF is 28th best with sacks every 10.3 dropbacks.

"Blocking those guys on the perimeter, we've got to strap it on and get ready because they will trigger and they're tough to handle upfront. They rush the passer, they hit the quarterback a lot, they get a lot of negative plays, they're very disruptive. It's going to be a challenge."

- UM offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson

The aggressive defense for South Florida is truly a team effort. Linebacker Mac Harris leads South Florida with 3.5 TFLs and defensive back Kajuan Banks tops the Bulls with 2.0 sacks. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal will not be able to focus on blocking just one player.

Miami DL has big advantage versus South Florida OL. dark. Next. Miami DL has big advantage versus South Florida OL

South Florida has had at least six TFLs and three sacks in every game. Alabama allowed six TFLs and three sacks versus South Florida. Miami's bigger and stronger offensive line should be able to wear down South Florida as the game progresses, but this should be the biggest test for Miami's offense this season.

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