Second Scrimmage Belongs To The Defense

It was, for the Miami Hurricanes, one last preseason test of sorts.

With two weeks of practice and one scrimmage already behind them, the Hurricanes took the field Saturday for their final scrimmage of camp – one players know coaches will study closely as Miami shifts gears and begins game preparations for its Sept. 4 opener against Alabama.

As one might expect, several Hurricanes found ways to deliver, whether they made a key play to extend an eventual scoring drive or whether they got behind the line of scrimmage to stop a quarterback in his tracks.

For head coach Manny Diaz, though, one group clearly had the edge.

“I saw improvement from scrimmage one, which is what you would’ve expected,” Diaz said. “[Quarterback] D’Eriq [King] got us going again offensively [with] an explosive play and a touchdown drive to get things going. But the night belonged to the defense. From start to finish, the [No.] 1 defense was pretty dominant tonight.”

Here, some additional notes on how Miami’s defense performed Saturday and other things the Hurricanes can take from their final scrimmage of camp.

1. The defensive line was disruptive

More than a few members of Miami’s defensive line made their presence known Saturday.

For the second straight scrimmage, linebacker-turned-defensive-end Zach McCloud recorded a sack, as did fellow ends Elijah Roberts and Deandre Johnson. Defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera notched a sack, too.

The group – and the rest of the defensive front – kept a steady pressure on Miami’s trio of quarterbacks and, in Diaz’s opinion, showed improvement from last week’s scrimmage.

“I thought our defensive line was excellent. Very disruptive,” Diaz said. “Silvera had a sack. McCloud had a sack, Elijah Roberts had a sack. Deandre Johnson had a sack. I thought [linebacker] Corey Flagg had a great scrimmage. [Linebacker] Keontra Smith [had] a PBU and a bunch of tackles. [Linebacker] Waynmon Steed had four tackles. [They] did some really good things. They made themselves hard to run the ball…[and] put the offense in some long yard situations where you could get in some pressure situations.”

2. Miami’s tackling overall was improved

It wasn’t just the defensive front that earned praise from Diaz.

Several of Miami’s strikers and defensive backs recorded multiple tackles on Saturday and that, the coach said, was also key after last week’s scrimmage.

“Our tackling was night and day from last week. We tackled much, much better,” Diaz noted. “Very little run after the catch. A lot of guys swarming around the ball. A lot of confidence. Big strides from where we were a week ago.”

 

Click here to read more on the performance of the QBs and Wide receivers:

https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2021/08/22/football-takeaways-from-miamis-final-scrimmage-of-camp/

Comments

[HerbieIbis]

Well, I guess that's good news.

[AeroCane]

Let’s hope manny coaches these guys up, we play aggressive, physical and fast and beat Bama like we beat ND in 2017!

[VA Cane]

Lets hope they play well against Bama...if ...if ...we can make some plays, cause some confusion be disruptive, get some TOs...play good STs and get a couple scores, we could make it a ballgame.

[HerbieIbis]

Class of 23 WR Brandon Inniss, is off to Oaklahoma.
Big loss for us but of course there is time to flip him back but the migration continues.
More and more names that were warm to us, are coming off the board to other teams. We needed to get more DB's and we got them and can probably pull more but with what is left on the board, it's going to be hard to even get to 15, unless we just load up on DB's, that is with high schoolers.

[HerbieIbis]

UNC, added 5 star dee Tackle Travis Shaw. Carolina has loaded up on defense and I believe in the last 2 classes have added 3 five star players plus 5 star cb Tony Grimes.
We need to pick it up on the front wall. Leonard Taylor is just one guy.

[HerbieIbis]

Maybe Avante ain't gone after all. Charges were dropped. Diaz trying to get all info on the matter.
Dude has 2 kids.

[AeroCane]

Glad the charges were dropped! Hope he gets back in, however, it may be too late for him to help us with Bama!

[VA Cane]

Sounds like things worked out for the kid....I have no problem as the courts and system dropped the charges...thats good...he was treated equal under the law. How often do you believe justice is blind...it is not blind....it works for people with $$$$$ and connections...glad for him. He is supposed to be the best...we need to get him out there asap....

[86Cane]

Maybe Avante ain't gone after all. Charges were dropped. Diaz trying to get all info on the matter.
Dude has 2 kids.

Posted by: HerbieIbis | August 23, 2021 at 12:12 PM

Saw that. Fingers crossed.

[Terrance Sullivan]

If Avantae is welcomed back he probably won’t be back until Conference Play either against Virginia Game 5 Thursday September 30th at Home or After the Bye Week on Game 6 at The Most Important Game of The Year at UNC in Chapel Hill on Saturday October 16th!

[CGNC]

Hi everyone! Saddened and disturbed about Pata. Seems like MDPD reached out to ESPN who dug in before finally making an arrest.

[CGNC]

This has the link to the ESPN Investigative Report

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/20/us/bryan-pata-murder-arrest-spt/index.html

[CGNC]

Last thing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoKYaGMtDkw

[86Cane]

Let’s hope manny coaches these guys up, we play aggressive, physical and fast and beat Bama like we beat ND in 2017!

Posted by: AeroCane | August 22, 2021 at 05:10 PM

OK, if I am forced to do this, a little louder this time for those way in the back:

WHEN MIAMI WIPES THE FLOOR WITH BAMA 34-13 WE WILL HAVE MORE LEVERAGE IN RECRUITING.

That is all.

[The Word From The Herb]

Still ready to make a forecast but 19 starters back to 11 for Bama.
Bama starting a greenhorn QB and we of course have King, although coming off a knee injury.
We have enough talent to beat this Bama team, especially the first game of the season.
They are loaded with depth of talent but most of it is younger.
The bad news is, I don't see us getting 70 yds.rushing unless somehow we break a big one to help our overall rushing numbers.
I can't see us consistently stopping the run.
We need to hold them to around 150 yds. on the ground to have a chance and the Lb's are going to have to play the game of their young lives.
The game will be won in the trenches. We have no excuses.

Lastly, if they get all the info in quickly and I can't imagine why they couldn't, Avante should be back by the Mich. St. game but of course, that's if they bring him back.
Maybe they rushed to judgement to quick, which why else the dialog?

[KYcane]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MACVMbrjhqA

[VA Cane]

I know some people do not like Saban...I met him at a clinic one time....all business, nice, open, teacher....but man....who could not like a guy who always wants to win, makes no excuses if he loses, and actually wins....say what you want...79.5% 7 NCs....Urban is 85%...3 NCs but excuse cry complain...still a great one.

I know this: I would have Saban tomorrow if he came...winner!

Saban plays fundamentals in all areas..they ran and passed at will last year..but they do it well...now hes got a different team...lost OC QB....they are going to play Bama football...run the ball, run the ball...maybe some short passes and to backs...keep it simple...not as many starters back..but bigger deeper stronger....try control line...on D same thing...size strength force us to pass...pressure......we are gonna have to move the ball...got to do something on the ground...and passes to backs....King is good...but recovering...so he cannot take any hits at all....daunting for this OL...they will try to control the lines, play good ST, wear us down....keep it somple. Dont know we can play that simple...spell that fundamentals....game...we have not for years...we are not fundamentally sound...18 years...but we got some returners....a lot of them...we have to block and tackle...we have to run it and not abandon it...then use some speed youth and King to make some plays....CMD said we tackled and pressured disrupted...got to..need couple TOs....play good STs....if we hang in there through 3....we may have a shot!

I never back down from a challenge....We have an outside shot...think I can tell after a quarter how it will be....but hey go out there...give it all you got guys!

[MLALUMNI1970]

That’s what I say, too, VA Cane. GIVE IT ALL YOU CAN! We will all be proud, if you do.
GO CANES!

[Old Skool]

Jarren Williams won't be the 1st string QB at USF. He'll sit behind a 3 star transfer from North Carolina.

[CGNC]

VA I would take Saban in a heartbeat, oh wait, he has no ties to Temple LOL.

GO CANES

[Old Skool]

Charlie Watts RIP
Hope he's on a cloud looking down
Watching wild horses and finally getting some satisfaction

[MLALUMNI1970]

Hi CGNC, How are you doing?? You are a Cane, through and through. Along with 86, of course.
Alabama is the real deal, each and every year. Should be a good game and very competitive. Hope we don’t embarrass ourselves. Seems like we all get hyped up, and get let down, once again.

[VA Cane]

Nice Skool.....what an incredible drummer he was...Keef always said hes the engine of the Stones...80 yrs old...onstage for 60
+ years playing Rock and roll...preety cool life....really cool dude

I hear you CGNC....no relationship to Temple....and your and my beloved AlPa....LOL....

I know its tough to see us winning, but I do think if we go out there...pumped but not too high...and play some fundamental ball...make a few plays get some TOs we got a chance....we do not have to be perfect or spectacular....but play a solid fundamental game...take what we are given.....even if we do lose....I will feel good if we DO NOT QUIT!....I hate graveyards and old pawnshops...tip o de cap to John Prine.....trash...and quitters....losing giving it all ya got is what its all about....quitting....not an option

RIP Charlie!

[Old Skool]

It's Tuesday. There's only one thing to say in honor of Charlie... "Goodbye Ruby". Some damn fine drumming he did on that song.

[VA Cane]

For sure Skool...I have tons of their stuff...American, Japanese, German, British lps singles....I have tons of bootlegs...tape, lp, cd...have almost every show from 69 to late 73 with Mick Taylor....have article from NY Times Sunday mag...summer 72....picture of Charlie......with quote...Charlie Watts...the only drummer in rock who never takes a solo...and never has to...his drumming on all their stuff is timeless...

Sorry 86...not trying to get too far away from the Canes....I just want our guys to go out and compete and give it all for 4 quarters....no quit no excuse...show up give it all ya got....if we do...we may lose...but we will not get blown out...and we might surprise some folks...

[toledocane]

Looks like Avantae is back.

[HerbieIbis]

We can thank Edwin Pata for getting Avante back.

[toledocane]

Hope he's learned his lesson. Will be a huge bump in the safety's room. Iron sharpens iron...

[toledocane]

Is it just me, or do u guys say this when the normal bs from rivals say...

Them "U can't spell thug without the U"

Me "U can't spell success without the U"

I always get a smile outta that one

[VA Cane]

So proud of our guys who know they can die, yet they do their job with no fear. They dont kneel, they dont whine, they dont ask for handouts....they do their jobs and die...so you and I can live...every day...free. For those on here and everywhere who have served....thank you for your service, us others will never know and do what you do...the first line of defense..always...

You get what you elect...when you like the softer easier gentler way in anything....well you get it....as you crawl away with tail tucked....I want everthing in my life full force head on stand tall winning matters....IJS

[58 Straight]

Iron sharpens iron...

Posted by: toledocane | August 26, 2021 at 04:38 PM

Cotton softens cotton.

[Terrance Sullivan]

The Bar for our team this year is 11-3 Get To That Number and we call it even I expect 12-2 and I will be happy. 10 Wins and Less would be a flop and Manny ain’t the Guy! Let’s Go Canes!

[VA Cane]

I would like to see a good opener....I want to think we are going to play tough....I sure do not want quitting...so maybe we're 0-1...but all the rest are winnable games...NC will be big....but if we execute the fundamentals of the game...block tackle run catch read react...in all 3 areas...and not whine complain point blame...keep our yaps shut and play....we can go 11-1...now I do not think we are a top elite team....but if we go 11-1 in reg season...and hang with clemson in ACC title game....we can get a good bowl....and dammit show up to win ....we may be ready to start playing ...and recruiting like the old teams we all yearn for.....

cotton softens cotton...Happiness is a warm gun....indeed...

[TonyCane]

Not Canes related but an incredible story of the unauthorized rescue mission in Kabul. Could easily see this as a movie in a few years:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/nypost.com/2021/08/27/us-vets-volunteer-to-secretly-rescue-allies-in-afghanistan/amp/

[VA Cane]

I think any kind of article like that TC is cane related....we all love our troops....all of them deployed around the world.....men and women...who really show determination loyalty teamwork character when they take to the field...far superior than anything I have ever done on my fields....we can have dialog on Canespace for one reason...our troops who provide our freedoms and have been doing so for 245 years....God protect them for their many heroic missions...my Pop was a Marine in Korea...and every phone call letter communication he had with me was I Love you Semper Fi....thats our troops..Always Faithful

Thank you to all of you for our freedom...and thank you "Statman" for the wonderful article....I think 86 will agree 110%....for sure!!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Nebraska football is hard to watch. Slow developing run and pitch option plays that haven’t changed all that much from the 80’s and 90’s.
If they lose to Illinois it will be almost as bad as Michigan losing to App State!
Looking forward to the UCLA Hawaii game to kick!
Regardless we have College Football!

Go ‘canes!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Preach Brotha Sarasota!

[Sarasota 'cane]

This hurricane could be worse than Katrina. God Bless the people in its path.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/154856.shtml?cone#contents

[86Cane]

Things that make you go hmmmmm...how could Scott Frost go from undefeated and beating Auburn while at UCF to losing to Illinois at Nebraska after four years there?

[toledocane]

He's gone after this year

[Old Skool]

N'Kosi gets to start for FAU
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/gators/2021/08/29/former-miami-quarterback-nkosi-perry-to-start-for-fau-vs-gators/

[86Cane]

Old Skool...happy for N'Kosi.

GO OWLS!!!

[DallasTX Cane]

Posted by: 86Cane | August 29, 2021 at 05:16 PM

Maybe it’s more complicated or difficult than simply “coach em up”?!?

Nice to drop in again and see familiar faces! The world has changed… paying athletes, Texas & OU in the SEC, the “alliance”, ncaa drops the sit out a year post transfer requirement… I submit that none were any more fantastic scenarios before they happened than an epic CANES UPSET on Sep 4 would be!!! So it IS possible, even if improbable.

GO CANES

[Old Skool]

Old Skool...happy for N'Kosi.
GO OWLS!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | August 30, 2021 at 01:21 PM

Looks like a good move for him. As for one of our former players on the other side, consider Lorenzo Lingard. When he graduates, FU may have to retire his hassock.

[86Cane]

I submit that none were any more fantastic scenarios before they happened than an epic CANES UPSET on Sep 4 would be!!! So it IS possible, even if improbable.

GO CANES

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | August 30, 2021 at 04:28 PM

When Miami wipes the floor with Bama 34-13 we will have more leverage in recruiting.

That is all.

[Sarasota 'cane]

The Tampa Bay Rays have a 7.5 game lead in the AL East and tonight they tied the San Francisco Giants for the best record in baseball! It’s unreal how good this team is!

Go Rays!

[AfriCane]

So, I’m believing the reason we all became canes fans is either because we went to the school. Or we like the swag, the bold face attitude that doesn’t give a damn who we r playing. Why is everyone kissing Bala’s ass and quivering then. Sick of all the post and YouTube talking about bama this, bama that. It’s not that we win or loose that we need to swear by. It’s how we go into the game as fans and players that matters. Miami doesn’t give a sheet! Any team, any where, any day. Dis we turn into bitches and lost that swag. This is miami for fok’s sake. It’s like our balls turned into va-jay jays.
Fok Bama, them and their sister foking asses.
Can we grow our pair back?

[58 Straight]

It’s like our balls turned into va-jay jays.
Fok Bama, them and their sister foking asses.
Can we grow our pair back?

Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2021 at 11:26 PM

Your psychotic rant is awesome!

[AfriCane]

Hey 58. Just saying. Got me passed off. Whole off season till now, all I hear is Alabama booty whorship. Can’t take it anymore. I get we will probably loose, but I will gong in saying we will beat their asses. Isn’t this y we r cane’s fans. Or did we all become VT or GT or Pitt!
Just saying!

[AfriCane]

Do our OL still push pick-ups with other team members sitting inside as training anymore?