’Canes strive to limit Price’s impact

CORAL GABLES — Before the questions even came, Trevor Darling knew he’d be asked about Ejuan Price.

Price, a senior defensive end, is coming off one of the better performances by a Pittsburgh defender in recent years with 10 tackles — six for loss — and five sacks in the Panthers’ 45-34 win over Louisville this past weekend.

The sack total was the single-game high for any FBS player this season and came one shy of the national effort, earning Miami’s attention.

“He’s a great player, he works very hard and I can tell he’s got good coaching,” Darling said. “We just have to keep doing what we’ve learned to do in practice, keep working on the techniques [offensive line coach Art] Kehoe teaches us and we’re going to take care of our business.”

Entering Friday’s game at Pittsburgh, Miami’s offensive line — which entered the season as one of the most inexperienced in the ACC — has allowed 15 sacks. And aside from the sacks, quarterback Brad Kaaya has taken many punishing hits, even getting knocked out of the Hurricanes’ loss to Clemson last month with a concussion that also sidelined him against Duke.

As a result, trying to contain Price, who is fourth in the nation with 11 sacks, will be a priority.

“He’s a guy you better be aware of,” interim coach Larry Scott said. “When you watch film, he’s making a lot of plays for them defensively. He gets after the quarterback.”

Next game: UM at Pittsburgh, noon Friday, ESPN2

Christy Cabrera Chirinos