There is no such thing as a good loss. Especially in college football, when one or two losses might mean the difference between making the playoffs or missing out. However, Miami’s setback to Georgia Tech may be an essential step toward meeting their lofty ambitions this season.
The Hurricanes have been dealing with challenges for weeks, primarily on defence. Breakdowns in coverage. Giant running lanes. Poor tackles. It’s the fundamental reason Miami has consistently trailed against inferior opponents.
However, because of Cam Ward’s extraordinary ability to pull the club out of such deficits, those issues were easily overlooked. When you’re 9-0 and ranked fourth in the country, how can you complain?
However, following a loss to Georgia Tech, in which the defence was at its weakest all season, the problems can no longer be overlooked. With their sights set on the ACC championship and a College Football Playoff berth, the Hurricanes must address these concerns before it’s too late.
Miami will have plenty of time until their next game on November 23 against Wake Forest, forcing them to sit on the disappointing loss. The Hurricanes allowed 271 running yards at 5.6 yards per carry. The Yellow Jackets completed nine of their fourteen third-down tries, while Miami converted only three of ten and went one for four on fourth down.
One of the third downs allowed by Miami’s defence came on third and 18 at the start of the fourth quarter. A stop would have given Miami an opportunity to reclaim the ball and take the lead, but instead they were down two possessions.
Another third down was granted with five yards to go and just over four minutes left in the game. Miami eventually forced a punt, but only after more than two minutes had passed. These types of plays allowed by the defence made it difficult for the Hurricanes to win.
Unfortunately, these flaws persisted beyond a single game. Miami has allowed 30 or more points to every ACC opponent except Georgia Tech, which they lost to, and Florida State, which is 1-9. It’s the tale of Miami’s season: a terrible defence saved by a brilliant offence. But their fortunes changed in their most recent game.
It would be a shame if Miami squandered the finest offence in football by failing to compete for an ACC championship or playoff spot this season. Fortunately, despite Pitt’s loss to Virginia on Friday, they still have control of their ACC destiny. If Miami wins their final two games against Wake Forest and Syracuse, they will travel to Charlotte.
With the Georgia Tech loss behind them and a bye week ahead, Miami has the ideal opportunity to clean up and solve all of the issues they’ve encountered this season. It is better now than when it is too late. If Miami goes on to have a successful postseason, we may consider this loss a godsend.
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