Miami (FL), famous for its linebackers, wide receivers, and general athletic talent, boosts the nation's 28th best run defense. Despite being flogged early by a power running Virginia Tech team (55 carries, 272 yards), the Hurricanes have done their best to slow some of the best run games in America. Examples:
Georgia Tech: 39 carries, 95 yards
Clemson: 34 carries, 84 yards
North Carolina: 34 carries, 116 yards
CJ Spiller, 240 lb. Ryan Houston of UNC, and GT's triple-option were all corralled by the speedy Canes. Only two teams have averaged over 4 yards a carry versus the Canes: VT and Wake Forest. Here are the specs from the Hurricanes:
Miami (FL)
This defense throttled a couple of great offensive teams and features a bunch of first team or second team All-ACC performers. Studs: DT's Joe Joseph and Allen Bailey, LB Darryl Sharpton.
Average Starting Lineman size v. GT: 269 lbs.
Average Starting LB size v. GT: 220 lbs.
Formation used v GT: 4-3
Nationally v. the run: 28th
This Canes defense, outweighed by an average of 50 pounds up front, will hope that its team speed (!) can trump the Wisky power run attack.