The Miami defensive line has a significant advantage over the South Florida offensive line, which has struggled this season.
The Miami offensive line holds a significant advantage over the South Florida defensive line heading into Saturday’s contest in Tampa. Miami ranks in the top 15 nationally in most defensive line statistics. South Florida ranks less than 120th in tackles for loss and sacks allowed during the first three games of the 2024 season.
According to David Lake of Inside the U, Pro Football Focus ranked the South Florida offensive line 120th in pass blocking and 118th in run blocking nationwide. Despite the run-blocking rating, South Florida ranks eighth nationally, averaging 268.67 running yards per game. Miami may be anticipated to stack the box against South Florida.
Miami is 12th nationally, allowing 65.67 rushing yards per game, eighth with 27 tackles for loss, and tied for second with 12 sacks. Tyler Baron, an edge rusher, is having an All-American season for Miami. Baron ranks second in the nation with seven TFLs and tied for third with 4.5 sacks.
South Florida has consistently produced elite rushing. This season, the Bulls have averaged more over 200 yards rushing per game. South Florida ran 46 times for 206 yards and one touchdown against Alabama. Alabama recorded seven TFLs and four sacks, limiting South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown to 15-35 for 103 yards.
Miami has been dominant on the defensive line, with 2023 ACC Rookie Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Bain absent due to injury since the season’s first series versus Florida. When Bain returns, Miami’s defensive line could improve significantly. Bain and Baron would be one of the top end tandems in the nation.
During his news conference this week, Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry stressed that the goal against South Florida is to minimize the run and make them one-dimensional. Getting ahead and forcing South Florida to throw will put the Miami defensive line in position to rush the quarterback.
Miami should be able to wear down South Florida on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the whole game. Expect the Miami defensive line to finally overpower South Florida as the game goes. Baron, in particular, should have a strong game on Saturday night in Tampa.
