The Miami defense powered the Hurricanes during the 2017 season. Can it be on par or even better in 2018?
The Miami Hurricanes returned to the national spotlight during the 2017 season. They may have run out of gas at the end of the year, however they were 10-0 and ranked number two in late November before losing their last three games. The resurgence under coach Mark Richt, in his second year with the Canes, came from large contributions of their defense.
Miami’s defensive statistics were a little bit skewed towards the end of the season when they took their downward slide. The defense got blown away by a superior Clemson team in the ACC Championship game and surprisingly gave up over 30 points to a Wisconsin team that was not an offensive juggernaut during the season. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes still led the nation in sacks with 44 and lived off the turnover last year. They ranked fifth in the nation in turnover margin, securing 31 total turnovers on the year.
There is no doubt Miami is heading in the right direction with Richt. The defense has thrived with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. The big question now is can the Canes defense deliver a repeat performance.
Did Miami lose too much on defense?
The biggest losses for the Hurricanes occurred along the defensive front. They already knew senior defensive ends Trent Harris, Anthony Moten, and Chad Thomas were leaving. However now the Canes lost both defensive tackles RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton to the NFL Draft a year early.
While there is some depth with significant playing time at defensive end, there is very little with experience at defensive tackle. Miami is looking for significant contributions from players in the 2018 class. Miami’s class currently only holds one commitment at defensive tackle, four-star Nesta Silvera out of Fort Lauderdale. The Canes hope to add at least one more on National Signing Day.
Miami is set with linebackers as all three starting linebackers return. They did receive disheartening news with cornerback Malek Young, as his neck injury is career ending. However most of the rest of their secondary returns, including senior Michael Jackson and sophomore Trajan Bandy.
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Overall, Miami should be in decent shape for the 2018 season. Not sure a repeat performance of last year is in the cards though. The defensive line lost a ton of experience and production. It will be tough to rely on young, inexperienced players in the trenches. But one thing is for certain. The turnover chain will still make plenty of appearances next season.