Miami Offensive Line Searches for Adjustments After Notre Dame Struggles Expose Key Issues

Irish Front Controls the Trenches

Miami entered Saturday night’s game in South Bend with its offensive line under scrutiny. Head coach Mario Cristobal, a former lineman, expects the unit to meet a high standard.

Notre Dame’s defensive front won many of its individual battles and controlled the line of scrimmage for much of the 31-24 win. Miami struggled to establish the run, while pressure on Mensah disrupted the offense before it found rhythm after halftime.

The line’s performance contributed to Miami scoring only three points in the first half. The Hurricanes mounted a second-half comeback, but the earlier struggles left Mensah facing difficult situations.

Pressure Mounts on Miami Tackles

PFF credited Miami’s line with allowing 21 pressures, compared with a previous season high of 13 against Florida State. The two tackles accounted for 13 pressures, including seven allowed by Samson Okunlola.

Okunlola has been Miami’s top offensive lineman this season and has drawn first-round NFL Draft buzz. Seuseu Alofaituli was credited with a sack and four pressures, while true freshman Ben Congdon also had a difficult outing. Congdon received the line’s lowest run-blocking grade in the game, while Alofaituli had its lowest pass-blocking grade.

Short Yardage Costs Miami

Miami had a chance to score from first-and-goal at Notre Dame’s 1-yard line in the second quarter. The Hurricanes ran five plays inside the 5 but were stopped short and settled for a field goal.

Notre Dame also recorded multiple sacks. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa brought down Mensah on third-and-7 to force a three-and-out at the start of the second half, and another late sack used valuable time during Miami’s final drive.

Turnover Raises Urgency

Miami lost four starters from last season’s offensive line, including a first-round draft pick. The group has improved at times, but Notre Dame’s elite play in the trenches presented one of its toughest tests.

Mirabal and Cristobal face questions about how to get the unit on track. With three regular-season games remaining, Miami needs more movement in the run game and better protection for Mensah.