The No. 18 Miami Hurricanes handled business on Saturday against Syracuse, 38-10.
Miami’s offense broke out a few trick plays and generated explosives to put the Orange away in the third quarter while the defense forced three turnovers, scored a touchdown, and held Syracuse out of the end-zone until the final minute of the game.
Overall, it was a solid performance by both sides of the ball.
UM totaled 385 yards of offense and averaged 6.8 yards per play. The Hurricanes made four trips into the red-zone and scored on each of those possessions, including three touchdowns on those trips.
Miami’s defense choked out Syracuse for the majority of the game. The Orange totaled 285 yards and averaged four yards per play while the Hurricanes generated two interceptions and one fumble recovery.
The Hurricanes committed only five penalties for 54 yards and did not turn the ball over.
Who are the top performing Hurricanes from the game, according to Pro Football Focus?
Read on for the top ten PFF grades against Syracuse.
Note: The minimum snap count to make this list is 20 snaps.
10. OL FRANCIS MAUIGOA – 73.0 GRADE
Snaps: 58
Mauigoa scored on a three yard touchdown on a trick play in the final minutes of the game. According to PFF, Mauigoa allowed only one pressure and zero sacks and earned a 77.1 pass blocking grade. Mauigoa earned a 60.9 run blocking grade. Mauigoa was not flagged for a penalty on the day.
9. RB CHARMAR BROWN – 73.7 GRADE
Snaps: 29
Brown finished the game with 40 rushing yards on eight carries and five receptions for 23 yards. Brown converted four first downs as a runner. Brown averaged 3.38 yards per carry after contact. Brown was a solid check-down option for Beck in the passing game. Brown earned a 79.6 pass blocking grade and a 89.8 run blocking grade.
8. DT JUSTIN SCOTT – 73.9 GRADE
Snaps: 41
Scott saw his most snaps of the season against Syracuse and he played well. Scott finished the game with four tackles and two tackles for loss. PFF graded Scott with a 78.8 run defense grade and a 74.2 tackling grade. He generated one quarterback pressure and did not miss a tackle on the day.
7. CB DAMARI BROWN – 75.4 GRADE
Snaps: 51
Brown was credited with five tackles on the official stat sheet. According to PFF, Brown earned a 74.0 coverage grade and an 80.3 tackling grade. Brown did not miss a tackle on the day and according to PFF, he was targeted three times in coverage and allowed one reception for six yards.
6. WR KEELAN MARION – 77.7 GRADE
Snaps: 26
Marion caught three passes for 116 yards, including a 61-yard explosive touchdown. All of Marion’s targets were in the intermediate passing game or the short passing game. He generated 89 yards after catch.
5. OL MARKEL BELL – 79.6 GRADE
Snaps: 58
Bell earned an 85.1 pass blocking grade while allowing one pressure and zero sacks. He was also graded with a 74.1 run blocking grade. Benn was not flagged for a penalty on the day.
4. DT DAVID BLAY – 79.8 GRADE
Snaps: 30
Blay was stout on the interior of the defensive line, totaling five tackles on the day. Blay was credited with a 77.3 run defense grade and a 73.7 tackling grade. According to PFF, he generated one pressure and did not miss a tackle.
3. NICKEL KEIONTE SCOTT – 80.5 GRADE
Snaps: 36
Scott was credited with one tackle, one sack, one tackle for loss, one interception, and one pass break-up on the final stat sheet. According to PFF, Scott also generated two quarterback pressures and he did not miss a tackle on the day. He was targeted once in coverage and did not allow a reception. Scott earned an 81.3 coverage grade.
2. CB ETHAN O’CONNOR – 80.9 GRADE
Snaps: 34
On the official stat sheet, O’Connor was not credited with a stat, but according to PFF, the cornerback earned an 81.0 coverage grade and a 76.6 tackling grade. O’Connor was targeted three times in coverage and he did not allow a reception.
1. DE AKHEEM MESIDOR – 87.0 GRADE
Snaps: 57
Mesidor led the way for the defense, totaling four tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks against Syracuse. PFF credited Mesidor with five quarterback pressures and earned an 89.1 run blocking grade. Mesidor did not miss a tackle on the day.
