Lance Guidry has elevated the University of Miami defense to an elite level in his first year overseeing the program’s unit. The Hurricanes rank among the nation’s most improved defenses in nearly every category despite missing multiple projected starters due to injury; Miami is No. 8 in rushing defense, No. 8 in sacks, No. 9 in tackles for loss, No. 19 in total defense, No. 13 in first downs allowed on defense and No. 3 in fourth down conversions. More than any category, however, the Hurricanes defense is playing with the sort of physicality, toughness and attention to detail that defined the great past Miami teams.
The Hurricanes thwarted impressive offensive attacks in Texas A&M and Clemson, holding them to some of their worst performances of the year, and a gritty performance on defense led to overtime wins against both the Tigers and Virginia Cavaliers. Several individuals have blossomed under Guidry’s guidance; Rueben Bain is delivering a freshman All-American season on the defensive line in place of all-conference caliber players like Akheem Mesidor and Nyjalik Kelly, while newcomers like Francisco Mauigoa – who is No. 1 1 in the nation in tackles for loss – is shining in his first year in the program.
