Defensive Coordinator’s Manny Diaz’s defense accounted for nine tackles for loss, four sacks and four interceptions. Unlike the last two weeks when the offense had to come up with big plays late to win, the defense came up with a fourth down stop late in the victory.
The Hurricanes turnover chain appeared like it was going to make an appearance on the first drive of the game. Demetrius Jackson intercepted Syracuse’s Eric Dungey off a tipped pass by Miami defensive tackle R.J. McIntosh on the first drive. Dungey took the ball away from Jackson on the return and got the ball back for the Orange.