Five takeaways on Miami’s defense against Florida State

Miami’s defense had a bad day at the office against Florida State. 

And that might be putting it kindly. 

The UM defense allowed 458 yards and 45 points while FSU was able to convert 6-of-11 third down opportunities and one-of-one fourth down tries. 

Miami has now allowed three teams to score at least 45 points this season.

Linebacker Corey Flagg led the Hurricanes with ten tackles. Nyjalik Kelly led the team with 1.5 tackles for loss. DJ Ivey picked off a pass.

On FSU’s first possession of the game, linebacker Corey Flagg was called for a pass interference penalty that extended the drive in a third-and-long situation. The Seminoles made Miami pay for that penalty later on that drive with a 56-yard shot from Travis to wide receiver Ontaria Wilson.

The defense couldn’t provide resistance the next time it went on the field either, with the Seminoles scoring on an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that was capped by a two-yard toss from Travis to linebacker DJ Lundy, who lined up at fullback. FSU’s touchdown drive was boosted by a 42-yard run by Trey Benson.

Miami’s defense finally got off the field early in the second quarter when FSU went back to Wilson on another post shot with Ivey in coverage, who made a diving interception to give the Hurricanes position at their own two yard line.

That play was really the only bright spot for the UM defense in the first half, however, with Florida State putting together two more touchdown drives thanks to excellent field position that was provided by a 29-yard punt by Lou Hedley and an interception from Jake Garcia that was returned to the UM seven yard line.

Florida State rolled up 304 yards in the first half while averaging 8.4 yards per play. Benson led FSU with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Travis completed 8-of-10 passes for 169 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Flagg led Miami in tackles in the first half with six. Te’Cory Couch was second on the team with five tackles and one tackle for loss.

FSU took its foot off the gas in the second half, but the Seminoles extended its lead with 14:55 remaining in the fourth quarter on a seven-yard touchdown pas s to Camren McDonald to take a 38-3 lead. 

Note: The following takeaways are published immediately after the game.