Pass rush more disruptive than 1 sack total vs. UAB
Although the Miami Hurricanes had just one sack against UAB in Thursday night’s season opener, that wasn’t indicative of the effectiveness of the UM pass rush.
The Blazers planned to get the ball out quick when passing, and even then, the Hurricanes had 10 hits on UAB quarterbacks and applied 16 pressures, according to defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
“They were disruptive,” said Baker of the play of defensive ends Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips. “I thought both of them had an outstanding game, especially versus the run, aswell. Whenthey did decide to pass, itwas usually out in less than two seconds. When you look at quarterback hits and pressures, I thought both of them had great games.”
After Miami lost its top four defensive ends from last season — Gregory Rousseau due to season opt-out, Jonathan Garvin to the draft, Trevon Hill to graduation and Scott Patchan to a transfer to Colorado State — the Hurricanes were pleased to have new faces of the caliber of Roche and Phillips to start opposite each other.
Roche had13 sacks a year ago at Temple before transferring, and Phillips was a top-rated recruit nationally before coming over fromUCLA and sitting out in 2019 due toNCAA transfer rules.
“It’s a huge relief always getting the first one undermybelt,” Roche said after Thursday’s game about having the Hurricanes’ lone sack againstUAB.
“It was a play where I started inside. I believe they messedupon a protection. The tackle fanned out and the guard went down. I just took it.”
There could be more opportunities to rack up sacks against Louisville in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener as the Cardinals run more vertical routes that could take longer to develop before quarterback Micale Cunningham can make a decision.
“[Cunningham] likes to hold the ball a little bit more,” said Phillips, who had half a tackle for loss and batted two balls down on Thursday, “but they definitely have a lot of deep threats, so it’s going to be important for us to really get to him, getting pressure in his face.”
Phillips is looking to have a big season after gaining about 45 pounds of muscle since letting his weight dip to 225 pounds early into his transfer from the Bruins, which followed multiple injuries and a momentary retirement.
The defensive line was also the key in holding UAB, a team that prides itself on the ground game offensively, to 3.1 yards per rush. Defensive linemen kept blockers from getting to the second level of the defense and also got to the ball carriers themselves.
“They were flying off the ball, keeping theirO-linemen off ofme, letting us be able to run and make plays,” said redshirt junior middle linebacker Bradley Jennings Jr., who had six tackles, two for loss. “They were making plays themselves in the backfield, making [tackles for loss]. That D-line being disruptive helps the linebackers play faster and read better.”
Campbell and Clark: Center CoreyGaynorwas complimentary of John Campbell in his first start at left tackle on Thursday. After Campbell started last year’s opener at right tackle and was subsequently benched for the second game, Gaynor feels he’s more prepared to handle his duties this time.
“He played well, and he’s definitely more mature than he was last season, which obviously comes with just age and reps and just grinding,” said Gaynor, who was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week. “We’re expecting a big season out of John.”
Between Gaynor and Campbell at left guard, UM bumped Jakai Clarkupto first onthe depth chart ahead of Ousman Traore, who started there againstUAB.
“Jakai Clark’s a football player. Him or Ousman next tome is perfectly fine,” Gaynor said. “The teamtrusts both of them. Jakai has got a great feel of the game, very knowledgeable. It’s like having a second center out there.”