/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38550374/455391304.0.jpg)
The Running Game
- Spencer McInnis -- 17 carries, 66 yards, 3.88 ypc
- Spencer Treadwell -- 14 carries, 54 yards, 3.86 ypc
- Dawan Scott -- 15 carries, 50 yards, 2.67 ypc
In the world of football analytics the assumption with the running game is that the offensive line gets credit for the first five yards, the running backs and the line split credit from 5 to 10 yards, and the running back gets the credit for everything beyond 10 yards. It is too early in the year for the adjusted line yards to have any meaning, but I am guessing that when they come out Miami will once again rank near the bottom. It's really hard for Chuck Martin to even know what he has with his backs because the line can't give them a chance. Consider this, in 98 carries Miami backs have just 9 carries of 10+ yards. UC, which as played once, has 4.
The Passing Game
- Andrew Hendrix -- 48 percent completion rate, 842 yards, 5 TD's, 5 INT's, 108.84
Hendrix got off to a good start against Marshall as the RedHawks stayed with them for a half before eventually falling to the Herd. In that game he posted 318 yards with a 3/1 ratio. But he has regressed sharply since then. He threw three interceptions against Bennie Coney's Eastern Kentucky squad. He was just as bad against a much better Michigan defense, though he did at least keep his TD/INT ratio at an even 1/1. The problem for Hendrix is the same as it is for the running backs. He can't do anything without time, and he hasn't had it. Hendrix is credited with 44 rushing attempts, 10 of those are the sacks. Not a conducive environment for passing excellence.
- David Frazier -- 17 catches, 267 yards
- Rokeem Williams -- 10 catches, 218 yards, 1 TD
- Jared Murphy -- 8 catches, 142 yards, 1 TD
Hendrix does have some weapons to work with, even if they are of an explosive nature rather than efficiency. The top three are all averaging over 15 yards per catch. Not listed is the always dependable Dawan Scott and Alex Welch who provide more reliable outlets from the boom or bust ways of the top three. The running backs aren't a factor in the running game at all, just 1 catch for three yards among them.
Offensive Line Stats
- 64.33 yards per game
- 1.97 yards per carry
- 19 tackles for loss allowed
- 10 sacks allowed
- 7% sack rate
To be blunt, Miami will never get it together until they can find an offensive line. This is not a one year phenomenon. Starting in 2009 every season has seen the RedHawks rank in triple digits in sacks allowed. With tackles for loss the story is slightly better, but its not a tale of celebration. This is just not a good offensive line.
Tackles
- Kent Kern -- 20 solo, 11 assisted, 31 total
- Jarrell Jones -- 15 solo, 7 assisted, 22 total
- Joe Donlan -- 11 solo, 10 assisted, 21 total
Kent Kern was one of the few bright spots last year on a pretty bad defense. This year he has a little bit more help up front. That has freed him up to roam more and make more plays, that has obviously been a benefit for the defense. He has a solid running mate in Joe Donlan, and Jarrell Jones is an active safety.
Pressure Stats
- Kern -- 4 TFL, 2 sacks, QB hurry
- J'Terius Jones -- 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 hurries
- Bryson Albright -- 2 TFL, 2 sacks
The RedHawks aren't a great team at disrupting the offense, but they are leaps and bounds above where they were a year ago. They are actually pretty stout against the run. I think that their activity level could be a big problem for a Bearcats front that could be without Deyshawn Bond saturday. The one thing they have to improve on is getting pressure on the passer. Those three represent the pass rush, and two of them are linebackers. Gunner Kiel likes that, it means big plays if the line can pick up the pressure.
Pass Defense Stats
- Quinten Rollins -- 1 INT, 2 break ups
- Marshall Taylor -- 3 break ups
- Jay Mastin -- 2 break ups
The youth movement is serving the RedHawks well in the secondary more than anywhere else. Lo Wood and Brison Burris represent the entirety of the upperclassman influence for the RedHawks. The young guys have responded pretty well, and are miles ahead of last years group. But they aren't a great group, the Bearcats depth will really test them.