Hurricanes' Second-Half Stall: What Really Went Wrong for Miami?
Miami's offense was unstoppable in the first half against Wake Forest. Then, suddenly, it wasn't. The No. 6 Hurricanes escaped with a 33-20 win, but the second-half collapse raised serious questions about this team's ability to finish games.
After scoring 31 points and looking like a national title contender, Miami went five straight drives without a first down in the second half. The defense bailed them out, but the offensive struggles were a shock to everyone watching, including the players themselves.
Why did Miami's offense stall so suddenly?
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson didn't mince words when asked about the collapse.
“It was 31-7, and then after that was just complete lack of execution. We have to strain and we have to keep doing the things that we did to get the 31-7 lead, and it's as simple as that.”
The numbers back him up. In the first half, quarterback Darian Mensah threw 12 passes 5 yards or fewer downfield, and 73 percent of those plays were successful, according to Hudl IQ data. In the second half, that success rate plummeted to 27 percent on similar throws.
Was it conservative play calling or poor execution?
Miami appeared to play it safe in the second half, frequently dumping the ball off behind the line of scrimmage. But the coaches insist the play calls were similar. The difference was precision and physicality.
Mensah admitted the drop-off was mental.
“The execution and our physicality in the second half was the only thing that really changed. Obviously, we were executing at a high level in the first half, and so we just needed to continue to do that, and our level of play kind of just dropped.”
There were chances to put the game away. Midway through the fourth quarter, Mensah had tight end Elija Lofton open downfield for what could have been a touchdown, but the pass fell incomplete. It was one of the few missed connections all night.
Did injuries hurt Miami in the second half?
Yes. Preseason AP All-Americans Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher Jr. both got banged up during the win. Toney barely played in the second half, and Fletcher left the game in the fourth quarter. Head coach Mario Cristobal said “everything looks favorable” for both to return this week against Central Michigan, but their absence made life harder for the offense.
Who takes the blame for the offensive letdown?
Cristobal refused to point fingers at players only. He said the coaching staff shares responsibility.
“I take it all as coaching and playing because I never want to point a finger at one or the other. The level of precision, the level of detail, the level of strain isn't quite the same. And credit to Wake Forest, as well, for playing well.”
He also noted that on the three-and-out drives, two out of every three plays were attempts to push the ball downfield before things broke down. The opportunities were there. Miami just didn't take them.
Can Miami fix these issues before the Central Michigan game?
Mensah believes the problems are “very correctable.” He said it's a mental thing, not a talent issue.
“It's on me as a leader to go out there and really emphasize to the guys that there's no let-up. We have to go out and execute every time we touch the ball.”
For a team with national championship aspirations, the second-half stumble against Wake Forest is a warning sign. But if the Hurricanes can fix their focus and finish games the way they start them, this could be a minor bump on the road to something bigger.
Frequently asked questions
Did Miami lose to Wake Forest?
No. Miami won 33-20, but the offense stalled badly in the second half after building a 31-7 lead.
Who is Miami's quarterback?
Darian Mensah is the starting quarterback for the Hurricanes this season.
Are Toney and Fletcher injured?
Both players were banged up during the Wake Forest game. Coach Cristobal said they are expected to return for the Central Michigan game.
What is Miami's record after this game?
The Hurricanes improved to 4-0 with the win over Wake Forest.