This Miami Position Group is playing at an incredibly high level heading into the Cotton Bowl Classic Against the Ohio State Buckeyes
This Miami Hurricanes' position group is playing at an elite level since October, but if you think we are going to discuss the Miami defensive line, think again.
The Hurricanes' secondary has allowed just two passing touchdowns since Nov. 1st against the SMU Mustangs. In the game that the Hurricanes ended up losing, they surrendered a passing touchdown in the second quarter of that game.
Since then, the group has played 22 quarters and have given up just two passing touchdowns in that time frame.
Now, I'm not going to be naive and sit here and say that what Ohio State brings to the table on the perimeter is the same caliber as Pitt, Syracuse, or NC State, but what I will say is that this group needs to have the attention of the Buckeyes.
Ohio State is not going to be able to come into this game and think they are going to throw it all over the 'Canes. Miami's defense is very well connected, and they play a very specific brand of complementary football.
Their defensive line is going to apply pressure at a constant rate, and their defensive backs are going to consistently be in the right place at the right time.
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The program's secondary unit is led by Jakobe Thomas, Keionte Scott, Zechariah Poyser, and Xavier Lucas. Together, these guys create a lethal secondary that not only defends the pass but is also fearless in both run support and tackling in general.
Poyser is a guy who will come up and hit anyone, anywhere, at any time, and needs to absolutely have the full attention of the entire offense. On the outside, Thomas and Scott are opportunistic when the ball is in the air, and they are rarely, if ever, out of place when it comes to the passing game.
On the year, the Hurricanes are surrendering 194 yards per game through the air, which ranks 30th in the country. Statistically, they are the third-best pass defense that the Buckeyes have faced this season, behind Indiana and Penn State.
However, over the last five games, that average has shrunk to 176.2 yards per contest, with the high mark being Texas A&M's Marcel Reed's 237-yard outing that resulted in only three points and two interceptions. The Mark of 176.2 yards per game would put the 'Canes one yard better than Indiana's passing defense.
They are playing very good football when they need to be.
Ohio State has never backed away from a challenge or shown up unprepared for a challenge. They will need to give their full attention to the Miami Hurricanes secondary, and if they do, they can put together a huge game against a very good unit.