Miami Hurricanes
Overall Rank: #29
#4 ACC
Miami finished last season with a losing record, but it was still a promising campaign for first year coach Manny Diaz. The Hurricanes did not lose a game by more than a touchdown until the regular season finale at Duke, which they lost by ten points. And then they lost by 14 against Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. The Hurricanes were not far off from a great 2019 campaign.
2019 Record: 6-7, 4-4
2019 Bowl: Independence Bowl vs. Louisiana Tech (L 0-14)
Coach: Manny Diaz (6-7 at Miami, 6-7 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Rhett Lashlee
Defensive Coordinator: Blake Baker
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Cam’Ron Harris, RB, 576 yards
Passing: N’Kosi Perry, QB, 1,045 yards
Receiving: Brevin Jordan, TE, 495 yards
Tackles: Gurvan Hall Jr, S, 66
Sacks: Gregory Rousseau, DL, 15.5
Interceptions: DJ Ivey, CB, 3
Other Key Returnees: WR Mike Harley, WR Dee Wiggins, CB Al Blades Jr
Key Losses: RB DeeJay Dallas, QB Jarren Williams, WR K.J. Osborn, LB Shaquille Quarterman, LB Michael Pinckney, LB Romeo Finley, S Robert Knowles, CB Trajan Bandy, DL Jonathan Garvin
Offense:
D’Eriq King will lead a new look offense under coordinator Rhett Lashlee. This offense should move a little faster and look to spread the ball around the field. King comes from Houston where he had a great 2018 season, passing for 2,982 yards and 36 touchdowns with just six interceptions. He also rushed for 674 yards and 14 scores. King should give this offense a big, much needed boost. King will have quite a few proven pass catchers too. Tight end Brevin Jordan caught 35 passes for 495 yards and receivers Mike Harley and Dee Wiggins are proven options as well. The Hurricanes were not effective on the ground last season at all and now they have to replace leading rusher DeeJay Dallas. Cam’Ron Harris is the top returning rusher with 576 yards on 114 carries and he should see a decent season behind an experienced offensive line.
Defense:
Coach Diaz knows how to get the most out of the Miami defense. He was the defensive coordinator before taking over the head coaching job. The defensive front has some holes to fill, but the amount of talent is impressive. Gregory Rousseau had an amazing 2019 season, leading the ACC with 15.5 sacks. Temple transfer Quincy Roche will add another proven pass rushing threat to the roster. The Hurricanes have more talent to replace at linebacker, but the secondary is in great shape. Cornerbacks Al Blades and DJ Ivey are back and safety Gurvan Hall was second on the team last season with 66 tackles.
The Bottom Line:
Coach Diaz has brought in quite a few talented transfers and recruits to help bolster the depth of his team. If those pieces can come together, this will eventually be a very good Miami team. With opening games against Temple, Wagner and UAB, Miami should have a little time to fit those pieces together. A trip to Michigan State will be a good test for the offense to see where they stand. In ACC play, the Hurricanes avoid Clemson so games against North Carolina on October 24th and Virginia Tech on November 14th could decide the Coastal Division winner.
Projected Bowl: Holiday Bowl
2019 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 118.1 (120th in nation, 14th in conference)
Passing Offense: 249.2 (52, 7)
Total Offense: 367.2 (98, 12)
Scoring Offense: 25.7 (90, 10)
Rushing Defense: 114.6 (17, 2)
Pass Defense: 195.2 (18, 2)
Total Defense: 309.8 (13, 2)
Scoring Defense: 20.2 (23, 2)
Turnover Margin: 0.23 (46, 6)
Sacks: 3.54 (6, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 3.92 (127, 13)
Madness 2020 NFL Draft Rankings:
#3 Gregory Rousseau
#23 Brevin Jordan
#48 Quincy Roche
