Analyzing the Pass Blocking Efficiency of the 2023 Miami Hurricanes Offensive Line
Mirabal's Monsters
The 2023 Miami Hurricanes showcased a pass-blocking efficiency that deserves a deeper examination. Utilizing data from Pro Football Focus (PFF), we can gauge the prowess of individual linemen in protecting their quarterback from opposing defenses.
Between the five starters, only 7 sacks were allowed on the season. With five of those being allowed by true freshman tackle Francis Mauigoa. According to Pro Football Focus, Hurricane QBs were responsible for 3 of those sacks. Two for Tyler Van Dyke, and one each for Jacurri Brown and Emory Williams.
Miami will return three of these starters for the 2024 season (Rivers, Mauigoa, Cooper). This offensive line gelled immediately and didn’t have many hiccups. Few of these guys played football together before the 2023 season and you wouldn’t realize it watching them. With these linemen, Miami’s quarterback had more clean pockets than a launderer.
This success can largely be attributed to the exceptional guidance provided by two of the premier offensive line coaches in the nation, Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal. Renowned for their ability to construct formidable offensive lines from scratch, their coaching prowess has not only solidified their reputation but also earned them the distinction of having mentored Penei Sewell, who has become the highest-paid tackle in the NFL.
Here’s an in-depth analysis of each key lineman’s performance over the season, based on PFF's Pass Blocking Efficiency (PBE) rating.
Matt Lee (C, #55)
Handling over 400 snaps without allowing any sacks, Matt Lee made pass blocking look like a leisure activity.
Snaps: 434
Sacks Allowed: 0
Hits Allowed: 1
Hurries Allowed: 3
Pressures Allowed: 4
Efficiency: 99.5
As the centerpiece of the Hurricanes' offensive line, Matt Lee's near-perfect efficiency of 99.5 highlights his critical role. Handling over 400 snaps, Lee allowed only four pressures, demonstrating why he was pivotal in the pass-blocking scheme.
A one-year rental for Miami and one of the best portal gets for both the ‘Bal’s. Matt is the type to carve out a 10-year career and be a staple for a city. Similar to Jason Kelce. He was the highest-graded run blocker and pass blocker for Miami. Miami will miss Lee, Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter has some huge shoes to fill.
Anez Cooper (G, #73)
Anez Cooper, shedding pounds and defenders alike, turned the offensive line into his personal runway.
Snaps: 483
Sacks Allowed: 1
Hits Allowed: 3
Hurries Allowed: 8
Pressures Allowed: 12
Efficiency: 98.6
A 6’7 350 lb space-occupying spectacle. Initially tagged as a three-star prospect under Mario Cristobal's keen eye, Cooper has since traded in some excess baggage—over 60 lbs, to be exact—for accolades, becoming not only one of the team's top players but also a fan favorite. Cooper’s only sack allowed came in week 10 against NC State. Proving even walls of steel can have their rivets tested.
Javion Cohen (G, #70)
Javion Cohen’s blocking was so effective, opposing defenders might need GPS to get around him next season
Snaps: 426
Sacks Allowed: 1
Hits Allowed: 2
Hurries Allowed: 10
Pressures Allowed: 13
Efficiency: 98.3
Cohen is a transfer from Alabama that has been an instant impact since he’s been at Miami. Can play across the OL and excels at pass and run blocking. Cohen is only going to get better. Cohen’s only sack allowed on the season was against Florida State.
Jalen Rivers (T, #64)
Cry him a…river, you’re not touching his QB.
Snaps: 483
Sacks Allowed: 3
Hits Allowed: 6
Hurries Allowed: 6
Pressures Allowed: 15
Efficiency: 98.0
Jalen Rivers, playing as a tackle for the Miami Hurricanes, stood out with a substantial role in pass protection during the 2023 season. Will be returning for Miami in the 2024 season. A player that will look to improve his draft stock and help the team push for a championship season led by Cam Ward.
Despite the high volume of opportunities, Rivers allowed pressures on a relatively controlled scale. He allowed 3 sacks over the season, allowing 6 hits indicating that while there were breaches in his blocking, they were not frequent enough to raise major concerns. Jalen allowed 2 sacks against UNC and one sack in the bowl game against Rutgers.
Francis Mauigoa (T, #61)
Despite a rocky start, by the end of the season, getting past Mauigoa was on the 'Top 10 Things Not to Try' list.
Snaps: 478
Sacks Allowed: 5
Hits Allowed: 3
Hurries Allowed: 15
Pressures Allowed: 23
Efficiency: 96.9
Coming in and starting at right tackle for a Power 5 team is tough. His 96.9 efficiency rating, the lowest among starters, coupled with the highest number of total pressures allowed, suggests areas where he could enhance his technique to mitigate pressures allowed. Two of these were in the first two games, one against Miami Ohio, and the next against Texas A&M. He did not get beat often the rest of the season.
Samson Okunlola (T, #63)
In his brief appearances, Samson Okunlola turned the right tackle spot into a no-fly zone, no-run zone, and no-fun zone for defenders
Snaps: 10
Sacks Allowed: 0
Hits Allowed: 0
Hurries Allowed: 0
Pressures Allowed: 0
Efficiency: 100.0
Although a very limited number of snaps, worth mentioning. Freshman tackle Samson Okunlola recorded a perfect PBE of 100.0 across all his pass-blocking snaps, allowing no pressures, hits, or sacks.
As the recruiting cycles come and go. Miami will continue to emphasize the OL and DL. They will recruit from the inside out and be strong up front first. Returning three of the five starters and will also have an influx of talent join the offensive line via the transfer portal and recruiting class.
They will lose its best-graded run blocker in Matt Lee, they must get stronger overall here. I expect them to remain a pristine pass-blocking bunch. Keeping Cam Ward untouched and healthy will be vital for the season ahead.