This defense is about to go to the next level

[Hstokes1447]

Four weeks in we can now all see that Hetherman’s defense paired with Miami talent equals a dominate defense.

After watching the Florida game again, one thing that stood out to me was how well Thomas and Troure played compared to how they looked against Notre Dame. They looked lost at times in that ND game, one moment resulted in the explosive play to the TE, but against Florida they were making plays all over the field. I think these guys are finally settling into this system, and the coaches now know exactly how to use them best. We are not seeing Thomas and Troure in those same coverage situations, but now they are being used to showcase their best abilities, attacking downhill. I believe the combination of comfort in the system and being put in the best position to succeed is going to take this defense to another level.

 

[PennsylvaniaCane]

I mentioned it before in another thread. When you play defense properly, the field looks real small to an offense.

Lots of orange out there. I believe Kirk actually questioned at some point if we had 14 guys on the field

 

[ShadowSpring]

I mentioned it before in another thread. When you play defense properly, the field looks real small to an offense.

Lots of orange out there. I believe Kirk actually questioned at some point if we had 14 guys on the field

This is a very aggressive defense yet surprisingly good at keeping contain and gap integrity.

 

[Hstokes1447]

This is a very aggressive defense yet surprisingly good at keeping contain and gap integrity.

It’s beautiful watching this defense. The best part is it’s sustainable, with the way this staff recruits. Even if Hetherman leaves, this is the blueprint of what Miami defense under Mario should always look like.

 

[BeastMode]

This is a very aggressive defense yet surprisingly good at keeping contain and gap integrity.

Will need it against fsu. Eye discipline has to be great.

 

[PennsylvaniaCane]

And for those who question how different it is schematically from the Manny days one thing I noticed is that Heatherman rarely sends more than 4. Unlike the Manny days of sending 5-6 and hoping they get home. Personnel plays into it a lot as well. Having guys like Lightfoot who are solid in dropping as well as they are in getting upfield. Really a fun defense to watch.

 

[skyman]

This is a very aggressive defense yet surprisingly good at keeping contain and gap integrity.

Thats my favorite part right there the integrity of the defense, because later in season some OC always exposed are over aggressive defense in past. My main example is UF on wet slick field tried a couple of reverses and we always had some one right there ready to make tackle for minimal gain. Beautiful.

 

[SSCanes]

Will need it against fsu. Eye discipline has to be great.

Tons of movement coming before the snap

 

[Hstokes1447]

Will need it against fsu. Eye discipline has to be great.

Fortunately USF, gave Miami a prep game for the fast pace system with a running QB.

 

[305407cane]

Mo and Thomas looked great. A ground based attach from Florida is right up their alley

 

[jtwist89]

The confidence the players have in the coaches has to be sky high. Next step is getting some more turnovers.

 

[QSTOKES]

It’s the mindset too, k Scott, Thomas, toure, bain etc want to kill anything not wearing orange and green

 

[PennsylvaniaCane]

The confidence the players have in the coaches has to be sky high. Next step is getting some more turnovers.

Our pass rush actually keeps our INT numbers low. Considering no one has really tried to drop back and throw the ball downfield against us so our DBs haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities to make plays downfield. I could see more fumbles coming though with the hits our LBs and safeties are bringing.

 

[PennsylvaniaCane]

Fortunately USF, gave Miami a prep game for the fast pace system with a running QB.

Amazing how different the USF games looked between 24 and 25.

 

[mirasuegui]

It’s the mindset too, k Scott, Thomas, toure, bain etc want to kill anything not wearing orange and green

When you have safeties that play downhill, what a difference. Scott and Thomas, coming from the SE, bring a physicality we haven't seen in a while.

 

[FrancisSawyer]

It’s beautiful watching this defense. The best part is it’s sustainable, with the way this staff recruits. Even if Hetherman leaves, this is the blueprint of what Miami defense under Mario should always look like.

I can't wait to see how Hetherman attacks the Florida State offense.

 

[LuCane]

I can't wait to see how Hetherman attacks the Florida State offense.

A gap murders, hopefully.

 

[NicKane]

Four weeks in we can now all see that Hetherman’s defense paired with Miami talent equals a dominate defense.

After watching the Florida game again, one thing that stood out to me was how well Thomas and Troure played compared to how they looked against Notre Dame. They looked lost at times in that ND game, one moment resulted in the explosive play to the TE, but against Florida they were making plays all over the field. I think these guys are finally settling into this system, and the coaches now know exactly how to use them best. We are not seeing Thomas and Troure in those same coverage situations, but now they are being used to showcase their best abilities, attacking downhill. I believe the combination of comfort in the system and being put in the best position to succeed is going to take this defense to another level.

And this is how I know Heatherman is a real one, when a DC is smart enough to put his ego aside and put the players in the best position to succeed versus trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, that’s when you know, you got a real one right there. It was as clear as day in those coverage packages, Mo wasn’t comfortable, and you didn’t see that at all against Florida again.

 

[NicKane]

I mentioned it before in another thread. When you play defense properly, the field looks real small to an offense.

Lots of orange out there. I believe Kirk actually questioned at some point if we had 14 guys on the field

That’s the kind of defensive line that we have not seen here since the early 2000s. It’s that freaking good!

 

[NicKane]

Will need it against fsu. Eye discipline has to be great.

Agree, that’s really the most important part in defending a Gus offense. If you can maintain eye discipline and take away the run, you can beat that offense all day.