Why the Miami Hurricanes Struggle to Generate Quarterback Pressure

MIAMI, Fla. – While the offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Darian Mensah, the Miami Hurricanes' front seven haven't made things any easier either when it comes to generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Last season, star edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. dominated the line of scrimmage, plus the attention drawn on them created opportunities for others to capitalize. However, the last four games have been signs of struggle: a combined 59 quarterback pressures generated, but just five sacks.

In Monday's media availability, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman shared what's been different this season.

"Last week [against Notre Dame], the ball came out [in] 2.9 seconds," he said. "Three [seconds] is fast, 2.9 is fast, and 2.5 is extremely fast. When the ball comes out that fast, it's hard to get pressure on the quarterback. We're trying to do different things to force the quarterback to hold the ball. You can't get to the quarterback if he's not going to hold the football. I think it was 33 of 40 attempts came out under 2.9."

There's no doubt that opponents have a clear understanding that the Hurricanes have the personnel to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage. The only legitimate kryptonite to the pass-rushing is getting the ball out quickly enough before anyone can get close without drawing a roughing penalty.

Marquise Lightfoot currently leads the Hurricanes with seven sacks this season, which is among the leaders in the Atlantic Coast Conference. There's a big gap between him and the rest of the defense:

- Damon Wilson II (DE): 3.5

- Omar Thornton (DB): Three

- Armondo Blount (DE): 2.5

- Herbert Scroggins III (DE): Two

- JJ Dunnigan (DB): 1.5

- Bryce Fitzgerald (DB), Ahmad Moten Sr. (DT), Ryan Mack (DB), Booker Pickett Jr. (DE): One

- Justin Scott (DT): 0.5

Part of the Hurricanes' underwhelming performances upfront has been Wilson II falling short of expectations. Coming off a nine-sack season at Missouri, the former All-SEC honoree has just one total tackle and seven pressures in the last four games. Before the season, Wilson II was a prime candidate to fill the voids Mesidor and Bain Jr. left behind.

Instead, the 21-year-old has struggled with consistency, outside of a promising performance against Clemson: three total tackles, two solos and an assist, 2.5 tackles for loss, 11 pressures, and 2.5 sacks.

The Hurricanes faced a challenging offensive line against Notre Dame and will again this Saturday. Duke's premier starting unit consists of left tackle Nick Del Grande, left guard Jordan Larsen, center Matt Craycraft, right guard Bradley Smith, and right tackle Braden Miller. The Blue Devils have only allowed four sacks this season, which is tied for the second-fewest in the Football Bowl Subdivision. If the Hurricanes are going to generate pressure and sacks on quarterback Walker Eget, it will require elite execution.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. E.T. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (Fla.) and will be televised on ABC.

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