Four Questions For How Miami's Defense Could Improve In 2024

The Miami Hurricanes will play their first 2024 game in two weeks when they travel to Gainesville and take on the Florida Gators.

Leading up to the contest, here’s a look at UM’s 2023 defensive statistics to better understand where there needs improvement and what’s already doing well.

After the statistics, four questions to consider that will impact Miami's final 2024 win-loss record.

All the 2023 Miami defensive statistics include a national ranking (#) and are from CFB Stats .

Scoring Average: 22.8 (44)

Rushing Yards: 105.6 (12)

Passing Yards: 216 (55)

Total Defense: 321.6 (24)

Sacks: 35 (22)

Tackles For Loss: 88 (18)

Interceptions: 12 (39)

Passes Broken Up: 33 (107)

Fumbles recovered: 6 (79)

Rushing First Downs: 82 (19)

Passing First Downs: 116 (38)

Third Down Conversions: 223 (24)

First Down’s Per Game Average: 17.2 (20)

Fourth Down Conversions: 6 (4)

Fourth Down Conversions: 42.9% (31)

Red Zone Touchdowns: 54.2% (33)

Rushing Plays Of 10 Or More: 50 (26)

Rushing Plays Of 20 Or More: 11 (29)

Passing Plays Of 10 Or More: 103 (44)

Passing Plays Of 20 Or More: 37 (44)

With a wide range of defensive statistics like rushing yards allowed being any place from really good to passes defended being really bad, here are four questions to consider for this year’s Miami defense.

1) Can Miami create even more sacks?

The Canes are loaded up front with Rueben Bain, Jr . and Akheem Mesidor leading the way off the edge. Creating at least 40 sacks should be the minimum goal for Miami.

Assuming the Canes consistently prove they can rush the passer well, the mediocre passing yards per game average from 2023 will improve this season.

2) Will a dominant cornerback or safety emerge?

This question plays off the previous. Miami is going to get to the quarterback but will the secondary be on top of its game?

There is no question that UM has a stout run defense, too. Now it’s time for the secondary to emerge and begins with a playmaker stepping up and performing like a future NFL player.

Damari Brown or Daryl Porter, Jr ., perhaps? Maybe Washington transfer Mishael Powell will be the person in question. No matter the Miami defensive back, someone has to be a no-doubt defensive back other teams have to scheme against.

3) Will Miami’s defense be better at stopping red zone touchdowns?

Coming in at 33rd last season, that’s surprising for a defense with such a physical nature and being good against the run. It’s hard to put a finger on just one category needing to improve. Perhaps a few things.

The bottom line, UM’s red zone defense must be about being clutch. That critical tipped pass by a defensive lineman that otherwise ends up in the hands of a wide-open running back in the flat, as an example. Miami is capable of being better than last season with its red zone defense and now must prove it.

4) How much will the third down defense improve?

The Canes need fewer mental errors in coverage and more plays on the football. There is concern how that will happen. 24 of the 33 pass breakups from last season depart due to graduation, transfer, or the NFL Draft, equating to 72.7%.

Then one looks at the big passing plays given up from last season. Indeed, this secondary needs to step up. For that matter, the linebackers need to be better in coverage as well.

Miami’s defense should be on the rise this season, but there are still some question marks. Many more answers will be known after Miami plays Florida on Aug. 31.