Miami Football Hurricanes Defensive Lineup Breakdown for Pinstripe Bowl Showdown with Rutgers
The upcoming Pinstripe Bowl clash against Rutgers poses a significant challenge for the Miami football program, as it will navigate the game without key defensive stalwarts. Let’s delve into the defensive depth chart projections and the adjustments the Hurricanes are making to tackle this formidable task.
Miami Football : Impact on Edge Rusher Position
The edge rusher position takes a major hit for the Miami football team due to player exits via the transfer portal. Jahfari Harvey, Cyrus Moss, and Chantz Williams, all entering the portal, leave Miami with a thin lineup at edge rusher for the Rutgers face-off. In this scenario, Rueben Bain and Jayden Wayne step up as the projected Pinstripe Bowl starters.
Fresh Blood at Edge Rusher
To fill the void, we’ll witness the emergence of fresh talent. True freshman linebacker Malik Bryant, along with Jared Harrison-Hunte and Jacob Lichtenstein, could play pivotal roles at edge rusher alongside Bain and Wayne. Facing a Rutgers team that ranks 10th nationally in fewest tackles for loss and 12th in fewest sacks allowed per game, the young Miami defense will be put to the test against a formidable offensive line.
Linebacker Landscape
Miami will miss the presence of Corey Flagg, who recently announced his transfer to Missouri. However, the top three linebackers, Francis Mauigoa, Wesley Bissanthe, and K.J. Cloyd, are set to hold their positions. Keep an eye on a promising group of true freshmen, led by Marcellius Pulliam, as they step in for crucial snaps against Rutgers.
Cornerback Chess: Shuffling the Deck
Assuming everyone is in good health, Miami is expected to have a full-strength cornerback lineup for the Pinstripe Bowl. The potential return of Darryl Porter Jr. adds depth to the cornerback roster. Meanwhile, Te’Cory Couch and Jaden Harris are slated to start at safety, influencing the choice of starting cornerbacks.
Fresh Faces at Cornerback
In the absence of Kinchens and Williams, expect true freshmen Damari Brown, Jaden Davis, and Jaidus Richard to take the reins at cornerback. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry might deploy strategic secondary rotations, showcasing versatility to keep Rutgers guessing. Davonte Brown will also be a notable contributor in the cornerback rotation.
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Safety Net: Navigating the Backfield
With Harris, Richard, and the safety ensemble taking the field, questions loom over how well they can fill the void left by Kinchens and Williams. Harris, with two September starts in Kinchens’ absence, brings experience, supported by Brian Balom, who had a single start in 2020. Redshirt freshman Markeith Williams and true freshman Kaleb Spencer provide additional depth as backups.
The pivotal defensive question for Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl revolves around the effectiveness of the safety replacements. Defensive coordinator Guidry has the option to apply pressure from different areas if the opposite side of Bain proves unproductive. As Miami looks ahead to the Pinstripe Bowl, it’s not just a game; it’s an opportunity to preview the talent that could shape the team’s destiny in 2024.
