The No. 4 Miami Hurricanes won nearly every phase of the game in Death Valley for a 41-13 victory over Clemson on Saturday night.
Miami totaled 419 yards while averaging 6.8 yards per play. The Hurricanes were balanced on offense passing for 227 yards and rushing for 192 yards.
UM did not turn the ball over.
The Hurricanes defense dominated the line of scrimmage while totaling nine tackles for loss and six sacks as Clemson’s offense became one-dimensional. The Tigers totaled 295 yards through the air while running the ball 31 times for just 55 yards.
CU averaged just 4.7 yards per play.
Clemson committed two turnovers on the night, which led to ten points for Miami. The Hurricanes also played cleaner football when it came to penalties. Miami was flagged six times for 58 yards while Clemson had ten penalties for 91 yards.
Miami was the more physically dominant team and the more explosive team. The Hurricanes generated four big plays through the air (15+ yards) and four big plays on the ground (10+ yards rushing).
Who were the best performing Hurricanes in Saturday night’s game? Read on for Pro Football Focus’ top ten player ratings.
Note: These scores are updated after PFF reviews the games. The minimum number of photos to create this list is 20 photos.
10. DB DYLAN DAY – 70.0
Instant: 54
Day had the highest snap count of his Miami career on defense as he continues to recover each week. The safety totaled four tackles and one tackle for loss. Day earned an 81.4 tackling grade and a 74.4 coverage grade for his efforts. Day was targeted twice in coverage and allowed one reception for three yards. The majority of Day’s snaps came at the free safety spot.
9. WR COOPER BARKATE – QUALITY 71.1
Instant: 61
Barkate was a game-winner for the Hurricanes, generating a 61-yard touchdown on a tunnel screen in the opening minutes. Barkate led the team with five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. Barkate led the team with 85 yards after the catch. Four of Barkate’s receptions came behind the line of scrimmage and he also caught a deep pass that went 20 yards. His average depth of target was 3.1 yards downfield. He dropped a catchable pass.
8. CB BRYCE FITZGERALD – QUALITY 72.0
Instant: 74
Fitzgerald tied for the team lead with seven tackles while playing cornerback. Fitzgerald had a coverage grade of 70.3 and a run defense grade of 73.3. Fitzgerald was targeted seven times in coverage, allowing five receptions for 44 yards. He missed a tackle that day.
7. OL RYAN RODRIGUEZ – 76.0
Instant: 66
Rodriguez earned an 83.0 pass blocking grade and a 70.6 run blocking grade for his efforts against Clemson. According to PFF, Rodriguez did not allow any pressure or sacks on the night.
6. BY DAMON WILSON – 76.7 RATING
Instant: 56
Wilson wreaked havoc all night at the line of scrimmage, totaling three tackles and 2.5 sacks. Wilson led the team with 11 quarterback pressures and was credited with missing one tackle. Wilson earned a 79.5 for his efforts.
5. LB CHASE SMITH – QUALITY 77.5
Instant: 53
Smith totaled six tackles and one tackle for loss as he had the most snaps on defense he’s had in his career at UM. Smith earned a 91.4 defensive grade from PFF and was credited with missing just one tackle. Smith generated quarterback pressure and, in coverage, he allowed five receptions for 29 yards on five targets.
4. WR MALACHI TONEY – QUALITY 78.2
Instant: 62
Toney had a relatively quiet game, catching five passes for 40 yards, but he came through in moments when the Hurricanes needed it. Toney converted three first downs as a receiver. Six of Toney’s eight targets were within ten yards of the line of scrimmage and he caught four of those balls for 23 yards.
3. RB MARK FLETCHER – QUALITY 81.7
Instant: 42
Fletcher was the hammer in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 77 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries to lead the Hurricanes on the ground. Fletcher averaged 2.81 yards after contact per carry and generated seven missed tackles. In pass protection, Fletcher earned a pass blocking grade of 82.2 as he did not allow a pressure or sack. Fletcher also caught two targets for 16 yards, each of those receptions converting a first down.
2. JJ DUNNIGAN – QUALITY 84.1
Instant: 25
Dunnigan finished with a tackle and an interception – a takeaway he returned for Miami’s final touchdown of the game in the final minutes. Dunnigan didn’t miss a single tackle and earned an 86.4 coverage grade while allowing three receptions for 44 yards on four targets. Dunnigan played 22 snaps in the nickel role.
1. DT AHMAD MOTEN – QUALITY 85.4
Instant: 38
Moten destroyed the game from his defensive tackle position, totaling two tackles and half a sack. According to PFF, Moten generated three pressures and didn’t miss a tackle on the day. His passing grade from PFF was 90.0 overall.
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