Miami Football: Report card for season-opening loss to Florida Gators

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ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 24: Lamical Perine #2 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball in the first half against the Miami Hurricanes in the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: C+

Even with that chaotic ending, Miami’s defensive line showed some real talent. Safeties Amari Carter and Gurvan Hall had a great first game — Hall had eight tackles and a tackle for loss. Carter had an interception and seven tackles.

Defensive end Greg Rousseau exploded back from his injury last year with two tackles and a sack, and cornerback Trajan Bandy was a one-man tornado. He was all over the field, making Florida’s passing game almost non-existent.

The defensive line had only one turnover, and forced four. They held Florida to 306 yards of offense and kept them from making third-down conversions all game long.

That being said, the defense had a million missed opportunities. They missed four tackles on Kadarius Toney in the first half, for crying out loud. The tackling issues are the biggest sticking point, because missed tackles allowed Florida to score. It sure as heck wasn’t superior play on the Gators’ part.

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