Here are three areas where the Canes showed progress, and then three more where Miami did not get the job done.
1) The running game – and offensive line in particular – looked much better.
Miami only rushed for 1,538 yards last season. In 2023, Miami is already at 2,121 yards rushing. It’s also how the Canes overwhelmed several opponents like Boston College on Nov. 25.
The Canes imposed their will on defenses and won the majority of their battles. It’s incredible how far the offensive line came in only one season; the same for the running back room.
2) The linebacker corps was a strength.
Any questions about Transfer Portal additions Francisco Mauigoa and KJ Cloyd have been erased, and the development of a player like Wesley Bissainthe was really good as well. Do not forget, there should have already been high praise for Lance Guidry’s defensive scheme. The Canes’ speed was put to good use.
3) The depth of the roster is much better.
No need for statistics here. The eye test serves the purpose. Watching Miami’s players in the trenches, at tight end, linebacker, wide receiver, in the secondary, and anywhere one looked, there’s ample talent across the board.
Most importantly, the 2023 recruiting class was even better than expected and it was the #8 group per the On3 composite. Players like Rueben Bain, Jr., Francis Mauigoa, and Mark Fletcher, Jr. started at defensive end, right tackle, and running back respectively.
Look for the number of current freshmen that made an impact this season to expand significantly in 2024 as well. Overall, it’s just a deeper football team. That bodes well for the future.
Now onto the bad news.
1) Quarterback play finished no place near expectations.
This has been rehashed to death but it had to be. With much better quarterback play, Miami will not reach its goal of winning national titles. It’s almost impossible to truly understand what Tyler Van Dyke went through, but his up-and-down season killed the Canes during some games.
Yes, he was banged up for much of the season. That’s always been the nature of football though. Moving forward, Miami has to figure out quarterback play with or without the addition of a Transfer Portal signal caller.
2) Miami had a major turnover problem.
3) The passing defense still made too many mental errors.
Whether a linebacker was out of position or even Kam Kinchens or James Williams jumping on a double move, etc., Miami’s coverage did not play up to its talent level; at least not consistently.
Sometimes Miami was lights out against great competition though. For instance, Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman only had 4 receptions, 24 yards, and a touchdown. Miami was without its starting cornerbacks in that game, too.
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