Miami’s defense has been formidable against the run so far this season, holding nonconference opponents to just 259 rushing yards on 105 carries, an average of 2.4 yards per carry. However, Virginia Tech exposed some vulnerabilities by gashing the Hurricanes for 206 yards on just 32 carries, a worrying 6.4 yards per carry. As Miami heads into their second ACC game of the season, they face another challenge in California’s standout running back Jaydn Ott.
Ott, who led the Pac-12 in rushing last season with 1,315 yards, has had a slow start in 2024, likely due to a lingering ankle injury that sidelined him for Cal’s game against San Diego State. So far, he’s managed just 133 yards on 40 carries across three games, averaging a meager 3.3 yards per carry. Despite these struggles, Ott still represents a significant threat. He’s shown flashes, particularly in his best game of the season against Florida State, where he rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries.
The key question is whether Miami can maintain their strong run defense and keep Ott contained, or if he’s poised for a breakout game. Miami’s ability to adjust after their struggles against Virginia Tech will be critical in determining the outcome. If Ott is still hindered by his injury, it could be another quiet game for him, but if he’s regaining form, Miami could be in for another test on the ground.
You’re spot on about how crucial it will be for Miami to establish a lead early. In their first four games, the Hurricanes dominated, forcing opponents to abandon the run and lean heavily on the passing game. However, in their ACC opener against Virginia Tech, Miami allowed the Hokies to stick around and maintain a lead for much of the game. This gave Virginia Tech the opportunity to feed Bhayshul Tuten, who capitalized with 141 rushing yards and a touchdown on an impressive 7.1 yards per carry.
Cal could follow a similar game plan with Jaydn Ott if Miami can’t build an early cushion. Ott, despite his slow start to the season, remains a dangerous player when healthy, and if Cal can avoid falling behind, they’ll likely feed him the ball often. Cal’s defense, which has allowed just 12.75 points per game through four games, could keep the Golden Bears in it for longer than expected. Though they haven’t faced a high-powered offense like Miami’s yet, their performance could dictate how much opportunity Ott gets.
Miami’s tackling performance will be critical. Their defense struggled to contain Tuten, and if they can’t wrap up Ott or gang tackle him effectively, he could have a big game and keep Cal competitive deep into the matchup. If Miami sharpens their tackling and forces Cal into passing situations, Ott’s day could end up looking like some of his early-season struggles, where he’s been largely contained. The ability of Miami to take control early and correct defensive lapses will be the deciding factor in whether they can stifle Cal’s offense.
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