Why the Miami Hurricanes' Secondary Needs to Find New Life

MIAMI, Fla. – Over the last two games, despite winning results, the Miami Hurricanes have faced a quarterback who doesn’t have the most lethal arm, yet the secondary has allowed for several explosive plays in the passing game.

Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman has needed to move pieces around, given the injuries to cornerbacks Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. and Ja’Boree Antoine, both of whom are sidelined for extended periods. Even with the recent return of Xavier Lucas, the challenge still presents itself for consistent defensive production in the passing game.

In a 43-35 double-overtime win over the Florida State Seminoles two weeks ago, the Hurricanes allowed eight explosive plays through the air for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Entering the game, fifth-year quarterback Ashton Daniels had a 59.5 completion percentage, one of the worst among Atlantic Coast Conference starters.

The 22-year-old is better known as a threat on the ground, but he had some impressive throws.

However, the Hurricanes’ secondary wasn’t sustainable enough to exploit Daniels’ pass-game reputation. He completed 15 of 28 passes (53.6 percent), throwing for 298 yards (the second-most against a Power Four opponent this season) and four touchdowns (tying a career-high) with one interception.

The takeaway was by star cornerback/safety Bryce Fitzgerald to secure the Hurricanes' victory, but it was Daniel’s arm that forced the double overtime.

Plus, safety Zechariah Poyser was ejected in the first quarter for targeting.

In Saturday’s 52-23 win over Pitt, the Panthers had nine explosive passing plays. Before the game, fifth-year quarterback Holden Geriner had a 60.4 career completion percentage. He was picked off twice in a 21-17 loss to UNC. The Hurricanes’ secondary allowed Geriner to have a career game.

The 23-year-old completed 18 of 32 passes (56.3 percent), throwing for 268 yards (new best) and a touchdown with no interceptions. There were a few opportunities for takeaways, including from Lucas, who had the football but couldn’t come down with full control.

Geriner had a 53-yard pass, which nearly resulted in a touchdown, but senior wide receiver Cataurus Hicks was short of the end zone.

The Hurricanes have allowed 1,674 passing yards on the season, which is only eighth-best among ACC competitors. 

It’s worth noting that nickelback/safety Omar Thornton played just 23 snaps against Pitt, all of which appeared to have come when the game was out of reach. The Boston College transfer can generate pressure, but has struggled in coverage, which isn’t great for a secondary thin because of injuries.

The front seven has been sustainable, but the defensive backs all around need to turn the production around, especially before a prime-time, likely top-five matchup against Notre Dame on Nov. 7 at South Bend, Indiana.

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