CORAL GABLES — When Jonathan Patke made the transition from the Miami Hurricanes’ outside linebackers to inside linebackers coach, he knew an improved run defense would be crucial for his new unit.
In two of UM’s losses to Clemson and North Carolina last season, both teams had success attacking Miami’s defense on the ground, with the Hurricanes allowing over five yards per rush in both losses.
“I preach every day that we got to stop the run,” Patke said to reporters after UM’s Tuesday evening practice. “That’s our job at [middle] and [weak-side] linebackers. Our offense has done a heck of a job running the ball against us and given us some real tough schemes to go against.