Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Will The Miami Hurricanes Offensive Woes Be Blamed for Losses?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Que the statements “Mark Richt needs better players to run his offensive effectively.” Sure, there might be some validity to that narrative. However, Richt, Brad Kaaya, and the offensive line need to perform better.

Offensive Woes

The past two loses for Miami are in part due to offensive disparities. Kaaya looks like a different player while overthrowing receivers with inaccurate passes. The offensive line lacks focus and execution in critical situations. The wide receivers continue to drop passes. Mark Walton struggles to find open run lines. Mark Richt calls questionable plays and fails to isolate play-makers in favorable match-ups.

The wide receivers continue to drop passes. Mark Walton struggles to find open run lines. Mark Richt calls questionable plays and fails to isolate play-makers in favorable match-ups.

All these things to correlate to execution and scheme. Truthfully, Miami lacks a true left tackle on the roster which is slowly becoming a problem. Asked to be a starter since his freshman year, Trevor Darling is a true position is offensive guard, not tackle.

He was a guard in high school, and that is his best position. Darling gave up the strip sack that gave North Carolina the ball with 1:27 left in the 4th quarter. That was inexcusable.

The offensive woes are becoming more taxing as the season progresses. The defense continues to play far better than they have in previous season. The defense held Florida State and North Carolina’ potent offenses to 20 points each of the past two games.

The ‘Canes still ranks 14th in total defense nationally. The offense has failed to capitalize on opportunities provided to them by the much improved defense.

These missed opportunities are infuriating. Miami currently ranks 95th in RedZone offense with ten touchdowns in 28 trips. In today’s game of college football, an offense needs to put seven on the board.

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Predictability

Under Mark Richt, the offense is becoming more and more predictable. Without any set motions prior to the snap, defensive coordinators are beginning to key on the quarterback and the run game. The ‘Canes are only averaging 3.43 yards per carry in conference play. When a team doesn’t establish the running game, it is a recipe for inefficiencies and predictability.

Miami’s offensive line has given up only seven sacks, but they need to protect Kaaya better and minimize the amount of times he gets hit. Kaaya missed some key throws for potential touchdowns, but also had multiple drops by his receivers.

Tight End Daniel Njoku and Wide Receiver Ahmmon Richards particularly had key drops against North Carolina. Kaaya finished the game 16 of 31 for 224 yards and no touchdowns.

Richt needs to put players in better position to make plays. Miami’s leading and most dynamic receiver, Stacy Coley, only accounted for two catches for 13 yards against UNC.

The lack of ‘Canes offensive production has cost them two games. After last week’s game, Richt had to make adjustments offensively to improve against North Carolina. Yet, no adjustments were made and the offensive woes continue.