Miami Line Struggles in Loss to Notre Dame

Miami’s offensive line had difficulty against Notre Dame’s defensive front in the Hurricanes’ 31-24 defeat in South Bend on November 7. The Irish disrupted the run game and repeatedly pressured quarterback Darian Mensah, though Miami mounted a second-half comeback after scoring just three points before halftime.

The line allowed 21 pressures, its highest total of the season. Tackles accounted for 13, including seven charged to Samson Okunlola, who has drawn first-round NFL draft interest. Miami’s previous season high for pressures allowed was 13 against Florida State.

Guard Seuseu Alofaituli gave up a sack and four pressures. Freshman guard Ben Congdon also struggled as a run-blocker, while Alofaituli was assessed as Miami’s weakest pass-blocker on the line in the game.

Miami failed to score a touchdown after reaching first-and-goal at Notre Dame’s 1-yard line in the second quarter. The Hurricanes ran five plays inside the 5 before settling for a field goal. Notre Dame also recorded sacks on a third-down play to open the second half and during Miami’s late drive, using the latter to take time off the clock.

The unit is adjusting after Miami lost four starters from last season, including a first-round draft pick. With three regular-season games left, its ability to improve run blocking and protect Mensah will be a key focus.