Miami’s Defensive Mission: Shutting Down South Florida’s Dominant Ground Game

Miami faces a significant challenge on Saturday as they prepare to halt South Florida’s potent rushing attack, ranked eighth nationally. The Bulls are averaging an impressive 268.67 rushing yards per game, largely due to the dynamic play of quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown is a force on the ground, averaging 84.67 rushing yards per game, ranking him third among all quarterbacks in the nation. His ability to run adds extra pressure on Miami’s defense, as they will likely need additional defenders to spy on him.

However, Brown has struggled in the passing game, completing only 56.2% of his throws for 468 yards and three touchdowns across three games. Miami’s defensive coordinator Lance Guidry emphasized that the Hurricanes’ primary goal will be to force South Florida into a one-dimensional offense. By shutting down the run and forcing Brown to pass, Miami aims to disrupt the Bulls’ rhythm. South Florida’s passing game ranks 120th nationally, averaging just 156 yards per game, making this a potential weakness for Miami to exploit.

Miami’s defense, ranked sixth in the country, has been a powerhouse this season, allowing just 188.7 total yards per game. They have been particularly strong against the run, giving up only 65.67 rushing yards per game, while their pass defense has held opponents to just 123 yards. Additionally, the Hurricanes are 13th in scoring defense, allowing a mere 8.7 points per game.

At 6’3″ and 229 pounds, Brown presents a physical challenge for Miami, as his size and strength make him difficult to tackle. Guidry acknowledged that stopping Brown will require a team-wide defensive effort. Alongside Brown, South Florida boasts running back Kelley Joiner, who is averaging 73.33 rushing yards per game at an impressive 7.3 yards per carry, giving the Bulls a dual threat on the ground.

Miami has had mixed results defending the run this season. In their opener against Florida, they allowed 139 rushing yards on 28 carries, though one big play—a 71-yard touchdown run by Montell Johnson—accounted for more than half of that total. Since then, Miami has tightened up, allowing just 52 rushing yards to Florida A&M and six to Ball State.

South Florida, on the other hand, has consistently dominated on the ground, rushing for over 200 yards in each of their 2024 games. Last week, they amassed 369 yards and five rushing touchdowns in a blowout win against Southern Mississippi. Even in a tough matchup against Alabama, South Florida managed to run for 206 yards. However, their passing game has been a different story, failing to surpass 200 yards in all three games this season.

To come out on top, Miami will need to neutralize South Florida’s ground game and force them to lean on their less reliable passing attack. Getting an early lead and making the Bulls uncomfortable could be the key to victory for the Hurricanes.