Miami Defense Seeks Response After 22 Missed Tackles
On November 3, Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman said his unit must improve its tackling and physicality ahead of a game against Notre Dame in Coral Gables, Florida.
Miami’s defense gave up points in five of North Carolina’s seven possessions, prompting coordinator Corey Hetherman to focus on missed tackles and the team’s failure to disrupt the Tar Heels early. The Hurricanes now face Notre Dame and quarterback CJ Carr, whom Hetherman said is adept at manipulating defenders with his eyes and finding openings underneath coverage.
Reviewing the North Carolina game, Hetherman said Miami recorded 22 missed tackles that led to more than 100 yards. He also noted that six of the Tar Heels’ 11 third-down attempts required only one to three yards, making it difficult for the defense to get them off schedule.
Miami has been strong against the run, allowing 64.1 yards per game, but has struggled elsewhere. The team ranks 128th nationally in passing yards allowed, giving up 277.9 per game, and 95th on third down, with opponents converting 42.11 percent of the time. It allows 19.3 points per game.
Hetherman said he had been encouraged by practices earlier in the week but felt the defense did not run to the ball or play with enough force against North Carolina. He said Miami needs to pressure Carr, affect his passing lanes and improve its tackling and coverage containment.
The coordinator described the upcoming matchup as a test of the defense’s ability to correct those problems against a quarterback who can look off defenders and exploit coverage.