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| Brad Kaaya attempts a pass against the Louisville Cardinals(Photo Credit: Associated Press) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
There's no two ways about it, Miami blew a winnable game Monday night. The 'Canes had plenty of opportunities to win on Monday but didn't do the little things necessary to beat Louisville. While this is only the first game, there were plenty of issues that look to be serious.
Offense
Quarterback: Brad Kaaya looked like a freshman playing in his first game. He had some good moments, but also moments in which it was evident that the stage may be just a little big for him right now. His first interception was an example of that. He made the right read, he did everything right, except that he threw the ball a little late, and didn't lead his receiver, leading to an easy interception. The passing windows in college are significantly smaller than high school, and Kaaya has to adjust to that. He showed immense toughness, he took some hard hits. Kaaya has to be more forceful in the pocket, and plant his feet, but that's another thing that will improve with experience. Miami fans should rest easy, Kaaya is going to improve, and nothing shown on Monday indicates that he won't. Grade: C-
Running Back: It's hard to evaluate this position, due to how the 'Cards schemed. It was obvious that U of L defensive coordinator Todd Grantham designed his defense around stopping Duke. When Duke did have room to run, he looked good the problem was that for most of the game, he was running in traffic. Duke wasn't utilized in the passing game much, and when he did get the ball, the play was negated due to penalty. Joe Yearby was a complete non factor, and Gus Edwards once again struggled to run with power. This position wasn't a problem, they were just criminally misused in spots, and not given a chance to succeed. Grade: B-
Wide Receiver: Just like the running backs, it's hard to evaluate this position. Offensive Coordinator James Coley felt the need to eliminate most vertical pass routes, and instead chose to run an endless array of flanker screens, and corner routes. Braxton Berrios had a nice drive extending reception, and Stacy Coley had a couple of receptions. Where the receiver position failed was in the details. Run blocking was a constant issue, it almost seemed like none of the receivers had any idea how to throw a block. There's a reason why Duke Johnson couldn't get outside, and that was because the receivers didn't block a soul. Grade: C-
Tight End: Clive Walford had a couple of receptions, including his first touchdown of the season. Standish Dobard was used primarily as a blocker, he didn't get many targets. Dobard should see more playing time, because he is a superior blocker. Clive Walford showed that he's not a complete tight end, he's a one dimensional player. Walford was awful as an in line blocker, missing a ton of blocks. Clive was assigned frequently to Lorenzo Maudlin, a potential top NFL draft pick, but he struggled with every player he was required to block. For this team to be successful on the ground, the tight ends have to block, and do it consistently. Grade: D
Offensive Line: Brad Kaaya had his issues, but this unit didn't help him one bit. Taylor Gadbois was awful, flat awful. It's hard to believe that freshman K.C. McDermott could have been any worse than Gadbois. The only two players who were consistent was Ereck Flowers and Shane McDermott. It's obvious that changes need to be made, and those changes need to be made now. Art Kehoe has been criticized throughout his tenure, and this is the first time that I agree with the criticism. This unit looked unfocused, unprepared, and completely lost. No excuse for what was witnessed on Labor Day. Louisville has a good, experienced defensive line, but it was rare that Miami won a one on one battle in the trenches. This is a bad situation, a situation that has to be monitored throughout the season. Grade: D
Defense
Defensive Line: Arguably the best position on the field, which is a shocking development. This unit showed a fight that hasn't been shown in years. Calvin Heurtelou looks to be the real deal in the middle, he was a force. Courtel Jenkins had a couple of plays, he looks to be another player with enormous potential. Where this unit shined was in creating pressure on Will Gardner, especially from the end position. Tyriq McCord saw significant action, and was an active part of the defense. He even did well in pass coverage. Anthony Chickillo was finally free to play the game he was born to play: a high motor defensive end who can consistently win individual battles. The only major disappointment was Michael Wyche, who was barely on the field, and is still struggling to get in shape. Thanks to the defensive line's stellar play, the linebackers were able to flow to the football, and make tackles. If this unit can match this effort on a consistent basis, the sky is the limit for this defense. Grade: B-
Linebackers: Denzel Perryman was expected to be a dominant player, and he didn't disappoint, playing inspired football all night. Perryman wasn't the only 'backer who came to play on Labor Day. Thurston Armbrister also had a whale of a game, playing the best game of his career, recovering a fumble, and being a constant fixture in the Louisville backfield. The linebackers benefited from the outstanding play of the defensive line, and this unit looked fast, and explosive. The one problem remains pass coverage, but that will always be an issue whenever the defensive line doesn't get pressure on the passer. Overall, the linebackers were solid, and weren't the one man show that they have been over the last 3 years. Grade: B
Secondary: This unit underperformed on Labor Day. What was supposed to be the strongest group on defense turned out to be the weak link. There were plenty of blown coverages, and some very sloppy tackling. No one stood out, which is troubling. Bobby Petrino is an elite mind, but this unit looked a little unprepared, and a little reluctant to play physical football. This unit will improve as the season goes on especially if they are allowed to play tight coverage. Grade: C+
Special Teams: Both Matt Goudis and Justin Vogel had solid nights, with Vogel showing surprising talent. The Corvin Lamb touchdown was the major event for this unit, and it wasn't a good one. Grade: C
Coaching
Bobby Petrino is an elite offensive mind, and Mark D'Onofrio not only matched wits with the elite play caller, he managed to beat him at his own game. The defensive game plan was well executed for a majority of the game, and the players looked to be well prepared. The scheme that fans have criticized finally looked to have some purpose. It's now apparent that D'Onofrio trusts his players, and is willing to take chances. Fans were treated to far more blitzes, and line games than last season. These games and blitzes led to pressure on Will Gardner, and helped force 2 turnovers, both of which put the Hurricane offense in scoring position. The Miami defense hasn't looked this stout in a long time and fans should be excited for what the future holds. This game may be the turning point for the beleagured defensive coordinator.
It's time to be blunt: the offensive game plan was awful. James Coley crippled Brad Kaaya and the Hurricane offense. The reliance on flanker screens, the disorganized and garbled offensive philosophy, and the awful play selection left the Miami offense a pathetic mess. If Brad Kaaya is going to improve, he must be given a chance to succeed. That means opening up the playbook, and giving Kaaya full access to the audible list. Kaaya is an intelligent young man, let him learn. If he can't adjust, sit him and allow an experienced player to start. The main point is that he should be allowed to fail, or succeed with everything at his disposal. With the offensive talent available, there's no reason why the Miami offense should be so incredibly predictable, and feeble. Coley also needs to understand his personnel groupings. There isn't a reason why Gus Edwards is allowed to run stretch plays, knowing full well that he lacks the cutting ability to make such a play work. The offense taking two redzone opportunities and only scoring 3 points is a direct indictment on Coley, and his inept game plan. Even worse, Coley refused to adjust to the defensive fronts that Louisville presented. Instead of using play action to loosen the Louisville defense, Coley repeatedly ran Duke Johnson into the teeth of a fast, angry unit. The game was winnable and Coley was the biggest reason why the 'Canes didn't get the job done. Coley Grade: F/ D'Onofrio Grade: B
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