Patrick Nix entered the season hoping his second year in Miami would be considerably more productive than the first as the Canes finished 110th in the nation in offense and last in the ACC in passing in 2007. Nix should be happier as in four ACC games, UM has been tough to stop scoring wise. The Hurricanes lead the ACC in scoring offense at 32.0 points per game. They are 38th nationally in scoring offense (30.5 points per game) but have yet to evolve into a dominant offense as they are 92nd in passing offense and 83rd in rushing offense nationally.

The Canes rely on a quick strike offense that feeds off short fields. Obviously the Hoos will be looking for ways to make those drives more time consuming and the distance to score longer.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look:

Statistics

• Miami underclassmen have accounted for 100% of the team’s passing yardage (1,437 of 1,437), 80% of its rushing yardage (809 of 1,014), 81% of its points (198 of 244), 84% of its total return yardage (766 of 911), and 65% of its receptions (93 of 142).
• Through Miami’s first eight games, the Hurricanes are outscoring opponents 150 to 69 in the first and third quarters combined. UM’s most-effective quarter is the third, where it is outscoring opponents 81 to 38.
• Miami is tied for 10th nationally in fourth-down efficiency on offense among teams with at least 10 fourth down attempts this season. The Hurricanes have converted 8 of 12 attempts this season.
• Eighteen of UM’s 26 offensive touchdowns this season have come on drives of three minutes or shorter, with 9 of those 26 TDs coming in less than a minute.

Personnel & Strategy

...