Miami's Offense Shows Explosiveness and Balance Versus Florida, Several Canes Contribute

Breaking down the Miami offense, there's much more to discuss than the obviously incredible performance by quarterback Cam Ward .

For details about how Ward went off against the Florida Gators, CLICK HERE .

This particular article will look at other Hurricanes with tremendous offensive efforts, adds in snap counts from Pro Football Focus, and an offensive line that deserves high praise as a unit. In fact, the offensive line shall be the starting point.

**Ward did receiver pressure from the Gators but never sacked. The UM offensive line deserves kudos for that point as Ward's 385 yards and 3 touchdowns never happen without players like center Zach Carpenter , offensive guards Anez Cooper and Matthew McCoy , and offensive tackles Jalen Rivers and Francis Mauigoa all playing well.

When needed, the offensive line also shows it can open running lanes. UM's 144 rushing yards, 4.4 average as a unit, and 2 touchdowns are all important. So are statistics like only 9% of Miami's running plays being stuffed, and first down runs gaining 71 yards and averaging 4.4 per carry.

**The running backs do their jobs well, too. Utilizing four separate players, the Canes blended running, receiving, and carrying out play-action fakes well. Damien Martinez is a running back acclimating to the UM offense. His efforts are bolstered by Mark Fletcher, Jr with his two rushing scores. Plus, Ajay Allen and Jordan Lyle are capable players as runners and receiving threats.

**The wide receivers and tight ends also show balance and big plays. The Canes' passing attack had 10 receptions of 20 or more yards against the Gators. That's a tremendous start to the 2024 season.

Xavier Restrepo leads the way with 7 receptions, 112 yards, a 16-yard average, and a touchdown. His ability to make defenders miss in space and shake cornerbacks and safeties to gain separation during his routes represent why Restrepo is among college football's best overall players.

As a unit, the UM receiving corps torches UF for 16 receptions, 226 yards, a 14.1 average, and 2 touchdown receptions.

The tight ends produce 7 receptions, 136 yards, a 19.4 average, and a touchdown. It also appears that Elijah Arroyo is a true weapon as he does more than just catch the football. Arroyo is a threat to create big plays down the field and also makes defenders miss when attempting to tackle him. It's great to see Cam McCormick catch the first touchdown of the season. Riley Williams did not catch a pass but he's a staple with the UM offense. Do not forget about true freshman Elija Lofton either. He's a matchup nightmare who's already earning playing time.

OFFENSIVE SNAP COUNTS

Francis Mauigoa LT 69

Anez Cooper LG 69

Cam Ward QB 69

Jalen Rivers LT 69

Zach Carpenter C 69

Xavier Restrepo WR 54

Elijah Arroyo TE 44

isaiah Horton WR 42

Jacolby George WR 42

Sam Brown WR 42

Ryan Rodriguez LG 38

Damien Martinez RB 34

Matthew McCoy LG 31

Riley Williams TE 25

Mark Fletcher, Jr. RB 22

Cam McCormick TE 14

Jordan Lyle RB 13

Ray Ray Joseph WR 8

Elija Lofton TE 6

Shemar Kirk WR 3

Owen Ruskavich TE 2

Nino Francavilla OG 2

Markel Bell OT 2

Tommy Kinsler OG 2

Samson Okunlola OG 2

Jackson Carver TE 2

Ajay Allen RB 2

Reese Poffenbarger QB 2

Luis Cristobal, Jr. OG 2