As any totally honest University of Miami football fan can acknowledge, the 2012 season left a lot to be desired in terms of success.
The team finished with a 7-5 record and lost at least two games, to North Carolina and Virginia, that the Hurricanes easily should have won. I'm not just saying that because I predicted a 9-3 record last season (well maybe), no I'm saying that because Miami should have handily beaten both the Tar Heels and the Cavaliers by any standard of measure.
There bottom line is that there still remains a lot of room for improvement for 2013 if Miami is going to win the ACC and compete for a National championship. And, as everyone already knows, this is especially true on the defensive side of the ball.
However, the issues that held back the Hurricanes in 2012 were certainly not isolated to UM defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio's and his crew. No, the room for improvement lies all around. So, I decided to do some research and take a look at some stats that prove this point. Let's take a peek shall we?
First let's open right up with the UM defense and their less than stellar effort in 2012. Hide the women and children because here are the statistical rankings for the UM defense in 2012:
- Total Defense: #116
- Rushing Defense: #113
- Number of Sacks: #113
- Tackles For Loss: #105
- Scoring Defense: #82
- Passing Defense: #58
If defense wins championships then that is simply not going to get it done against the Alabama's, Notre Dame's and Florida State's of the world. Which is why the UM defense MUST improve in 2013 and why this particular recruiting class is so incredibly important.
Any high school recruit that plays defense that is coming to Miami this Fall has the chance to play and play now. Opportunities abound for players like DL Tim Williams, CB Artie Burns and LB Matthew Thomas, all of who could ink with Miami in 2013.
Now for some good news. Miami ranked highest in the following categories in the NCAA rankings:
- Kickoff returns: #2 (RB Duke Johnson)
- Passing Offense: #25 (QB Stephen Morris)
- Turnover Margin: #30
- Total Offense: #36 (OC Jedd Fisch)
- Sacks Allowed: #41 (OL coach Art Kehoe)
- Scoring Offense: #49 (Fisch, Kehoe, Morris, Johnson)
In the ACC, Miami did slightly better by ranking among the top five teams in the conference in seven categories:
- Total Offense
- Scoring offense
- Passing Efficiency
- Sacks Allowed
- Turnover Margin
- Kickoff returns
- Punting
So, those are clearly the obvious areas where the 2012 Miami Hurricanes did poorly or did well and next year must improve on to get better.
But there are so many other critical areas of performance that the team could manage significant improvements in that we will have to run a part II tomorrow to show you that these stats are not isolated issues but more reflective of an overall team performance that must be corrected if the Hurricanes are to be successful in 2013 and beyond.
Wow!
Posted by: MDCane | January 09, 2013 at 08:20 PM
#116... WOW ,D'No's even worse than I thought!
Posted by: roachcane77 | January 09, 2013 at 08:23 PM
86 thanks for these great articles. I really appreciate it. Yes there is improvement that needs to be made in all facets of the game.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 09, 2013 at 08:36 PM
LOL... SOUP you caught my joke!
Posted by: roachcane77 | January 09, 2013 at 08:37 PM
"Any high school recruit that plays defense that is coming to Miami this Fall has the chance to play and play now."
In the famous words of the master blogger...
"And there IT IS right there!"
(Nice job, as usual SOUP.)
Posted by: roachcane77 | January 09, 2013 at 08:52 PM
Sully and Roach..."I GOT THIS!"
Lots of REALLY good recruiting stuff is breaking tonight. Can't share it here but will tomorrow by email for the insiders.
GOLDEN IS GOD!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 09, 2013 at 09:05 PM
I think on defense we really have to improve on 3rd down. Too many times we would play solid defense for 2 downs and couldn't get the job done.
Opponents 3rd down completion percentage: 42%
In wins: 37%
In losses: 50% (yikes)
Now compare that to other teams
Bama: 32%
LSU: 31%
ND: 36%
FSU: 27%
UF: 32%
Lots of "Room for Improvement"
Posted by: TLuv | January 09, 2013 at 09:06 PM
TLuv...GREAT POST! I did not do that specific research but U did. Much respect.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 09, 2013 at 09:10 PM
Glad to contribute 86
Posted by: TLuv | January 09, 2013 at 09:14 PM
I think the bad 3rd down completion percentage was 2 part...
1. A lot of times opponents gashed us on 1st and 2nd down, leaving 3rd and short.
2. We had absolutely ZERO pass rush.
But I think that'll change once this guy arrives on campus. Kid is a stud.
http://youtu.be/uNaCX5gYIxU
Posted by: TLuv | January 09, 2013 at 09:18 PM
Yeah him and McCord and Chick and well U get it, oh yeah and that other guy who was supposed to go either Bama or ND, what's his name? LOL
Now if we could only get Tim Williams and another DB in the mix we might be set?
Posted by: 86Cane | January 09, 2013 at 09:22 PM
I'm very intrigued by that Carroll tweet... it can ONLY be good stuff, and he is usually VERY dependable with his info!
C'Mon NCAA let's get this over with already!
Posted by: roachcane77 | January 09, 2013 at 09:31 PM
great article 86 ! defense must be great or hell flawless. come on & d'no ! getitddone
Posted by: laquinton | January 09, 2013 at 09:56 PM
Wonder what the onslaught would be if the NCAA came out and told us we done enough, how many kids would be calling us instead of the other way around?
Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 09, 2013 at 10:46 PM
Houston...Estoy muy contento! Y tambien estoy seguro que todo El Mundo esta llamando a la Universidad de Miami en este momento para jugar en el equipo!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 09, 2013 at 10:53 PM
Sully and Roach..."I GOT THIS!"
Lots of REALLY good recruiting stuff is breaking tonight. Can't share it here but will tomorrow by email for the insiders.
GOLDEN IS GOD!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 09, 2013 at 09:05 PM
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When will the little people such as myself know about this, lol.
Posted by: DeployedDiehardCane | January 09, 2013 at 11:45 PM
Carroll really let me down when he clarified that his tweet meant nothing but a conpliment about the compliance staff haha hopefully the NOA comes soon though. Getting sick of the wait.
Posted by: kenyon19ypr | January 10, 2013 at 12:03 AM
Sully and Roach..."I GOT THIS!"Lots of REALLY good recruiting stuff is breaking tonight. Can't share it here but will tomorrow by email for the insiders.GOLDEN IS GOD
!!!Posted by: 86Cane | January 09, 2013 at 09:05 PM
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When will the little people such as myself know about this, lol.
Posted by: DeployedDiehardCane | January 09, 2013 at 11:45 PM
Yeah really, I wish I was a insider. I guess I'll just have to wait till signing day :-(
Posted by: WWIN | January 10, 2013 at 12:10 AM
The Philadelphia Eagles have interviewed Notre Dame's Brian Kelly for their coaching vacancy, league sources told ESPN.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 10, 2013 at 12:22 AM
On a side note, out here at CES 2013 and it is awesome. LG has a slew of ultra-hd 4k televisions and sharp showed several 8k televisions too. Saw a 3d 4k television today that did not require glasses. Awesome stuff. If anyone had a chalk wall like nbidia did last year I will proudly put the U logo up there.
Posted by: Tonycane | January 10, 2013 at 06:43 AM
D'No should be congratulated. It wasn't easy to rank behind teams like Buffalo, Kent State, Pacific, or Ball State. Good thing the "Sisters of the Poor" gave up Div I football or we'd rank behind them too.
I'll keep my focus on next year, and keep saying one more year. Either they improve or it's time to clean house. No more cheap talk about schedules, recruiting, blaming Randy, The Clapper, or anything else.
For schools like this rank ahead of the U it takes alot of doing......
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 10, 2013 at 07:51 AM
TypePad ate my long post! GRRRRR!!
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 08:28 AM
Since TypePad wont let me paste some of this stuff, I will post a link..talks about MANY of our targets and a commit..
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1457820
Good read.
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 08:29 AM
The Philadelphia Eagles have interviewed Notre Dame's Brian Kelly for their coaching vacancy, league sources told ESPN.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 10, 2013 at 12:22 AM
HE DID THIS TO GET MORE MONEY FROM NOTRE DAME
Posted by: canezilla | January 10, 2013 at 09:11 AM
I know this... I'm Facebook friends with BC, and he doesn't post unless it's something extremely relevant.
Add in the interface with PapaCane and 86, it's a logical assumption that something positive happened regarding UM's compliance department.
Posted by: LB | January 10, 2013 at 09:47 AM
Good morning peeps,
Wouldn't it be funny if Brian kelly bounced on the Domers loll....
Big Weekend next week on Campus we need hit it out of the park with all of the recruits that are visiting.
And 86, you nailed it man room for improvement is correct and i think its coming this season the boys will be alling on defense when the young guys they'll be hungry to change it around!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 10, 2013 at 09:53 AM
According to Pete Ariz, Figueroa and Knighton are on campus. Waiting to confirm Odogwu and Sandland
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:04 AM
Continuing to hear that several teams including Miami covet Duke WRs coach Matt Lubick" from football scoop ! ok 86
Posted by: laquinton | January 10, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Even though MIAMI is a private University that doesnt have to disclose the NOA, I would imagine if we got it the media would know and it would be all over. Not the actualy allegations themselves, but that we got the notice..imo
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Laquinton you possibly made 86' day and week with that information.....
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 10, 2013 at 10:20 AM
86, check email. More info from yesterday's news.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:25 AM
Continuing to hear that several teams including Miami covet Duke WRs coach Matt Lubick" from football scoop ! ok 86
Posted by: laquinton | January 10, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Cant really argue the logic..guy takes 3-star "big 3" leftovers and makes them All ACC WR's....while we have 4-star guys dropping balls left and right lol
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:26 AM
Hey man bring Lubick in, if he can recruit the way he coaches then its a no brainer, a home run hire if it happens.
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 10, 2013 at 10:28 AM
CaneInsider - According to sources former FIU HC Mario Cristobal is awaiting decision from OC Jedd Fisch, its expected as early as today. #canes stand by
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:33 AM
Video: 2014 DT Chad Thomas from BTW talks Miami & FSU.. http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/chad-thomas-checks-in-from-the-under-armour-all-america-underclassmen-combine/
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Ohio what does that mean, what decision from Fisch?
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 10, 2013 at 10:39 AM
According to CaneInsider Mario Cristobal is awaiting decision from Jedd Fisch..expected as early as today...wonder what desicion..if Fisch wants him, or if Fisch is leaving? Hmm
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:41 AM
That has me a little worried..we cant afford to lose Fisch IMO
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:43 AM
Man, check out Perryman. Kid is SWOLE!
http://canesinsight.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21204&d=1357699289
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Im going to assume he means that Fisch need to approve of the hire...hopefully
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Ohio what does that mean, what decision from Fisch?
Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 10, 2013 at 10:39 AM
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Pretty sure it's up to the OC to pick his WR, RB, etc coaches.
Fisch isn't leaving. He's approving the hire.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Lauderdale Lakes (Fla.) Boyd Anderson High School ATH Eddie Jackson (6’2/180) is exploding onto the scene. In two months time, he has picked up offers from perennial powers such as Alabama, Florida State, and LSU. Jackson also holds offers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Hawaii, and SMU. Although, National Signing Day is less than a month away, he is wide open.
Going into his senior campaign, Jackson knew that the offers would be coming in late. Not playing football his sophomore and junior year, he had a lot of catching up to do.
“I feel like my hard work paid off, it’s a great feeling.”
The South Florida product is being recruited to play multiple position at the next level. Alabama wants him at defensive back, while LSU would like him at receiver and possibly kick returner.
The University of Miami was recruiting him at one point, but since receivers coach McDonald left they have not recruited him.
“I don’t hear nothing from them(Miami) anymore.”
Earlier in the season, he was able to take an unofficial visit to Miami, and there was a lot to like.
January will be a very hectic month for the standout athlete, as he plans to take multiple official visits to some of the prestigious schools in the nation. His first visit will go to Florida State, and his second to Alabama. He is unsure of where he will go for his third, but as of now it is between LSU, Tennessee, and Arkansas. If the Hurricanes were to offer him soon, he would consider taking an official visit there too.
His reaction to the Alabama offer that he received today.
“I was just happy, just speechless you know… I came from nothing to something.”
Growing up, Jackson rooted for Florida State, which makes their offer that much more special.
http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/2013-miami-target-receives-offer-from-alabama/
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:49 AM
If Eddie Jackson goes to Bama, our chances with Coley increase a lot.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Continuing to hear that several teams including Miami covet Duke WRs coach Matt Lubick" from football scoop ! ok 86
Posted by: laquinton | January 10, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Like I been sayin all along. I did my research, I know who's who and what's what.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:53 AM
That was actually the first time I ever heard the name Eddie Jackson lol
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:53 AM
That was actually the first time I ever heard the name Eddie Jackson lol
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:53 AM
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No, it's not. He's the guy that FSU offered to try and get Coley to commit.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Like I said...
CaneInsider - Fisch not leaving, Mario waiting on decision from Fisch to be hired
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Ohio...now I remember....man FSU plays dirty...they tell kids to stay commited and flip on signing day..offer friends who have no other D1 offers etc
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Ohio...now I remember....man FSU plays dirty...they tell kids to stay commited and flip on signing day..offer friends who have no other D1 offers etc
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 10:57 AM
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AND send commits on big recruiting weekends for other schools to try and keep them from committing while they're there. **COUGH** KERMIT **COUGH**
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 10, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Yupp..forgot about that..I got to admit..I really enjoy having a smart head coach
Posted by: UMike | January 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM