Anthony Miller 2017 Season Review: Weeks 10-11
In part eight of out extensive Anthony Miller 2017 season breakdown, we look into how Miller looked against SMU and East Carolina
This is part eight of our running diary that highlights everything you need to know what Anthony Miller did on the field.
In part one, we highlighted his performances against UL-Monroe and UCLA. In part two, he took on Southern Illinois. Part three was a matchup against UCF. In part four, Anthony Miller took on UConn. He faced Navy in part five, and Houston in part six. In the last post was part seven against Tulane and Tulsa.
Now, for week ten Anthony Miller squares off against SMU and East Carolina
Week 10
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Anthony Miller put up eight receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns against SMU. After back to back weeks with less than 20 yards after the catch, Miller recorded 89 yards after the catch against SMU.
Below was his longest of the day and season to date. He burst off to the races for 48 yards. What is impressive here is his vision and ability to follow his blockers to chip off defenders and cut inside to look for extra yards.
Anthony Miller only caught two other screen passes for one yard. Miller caught two curl routes that recorded 41 yards, 30 coming after the catch.
He also had two rushing attempts. While they only combined for six yards, the run below was another excellent example of his vision, and strength as a runner with the ball in his hands. A loss of six turned into a gain of four.
Usage
His three other receptions came on inward breaking routes over the middle. He caught two posts for 51 yards and a touchdown.
And, finally, in the play below, something I have noted from the very first post came up in a huge way to put the game away late.
Memphis has experimented with putting Miller flexed out closer to the line of scrimmage. On four attempts they have flared him into the flats, completing two passes.
Recently, they have branched off of that to create Miller a mismatch over the seam. Riley Ferguson overshot him on the first attempt. However, in their second try, they connect on a 24-yard touchdown.
Do not be surprised if this sort of play is unleashed at some point.
Overall Ferguson was 8-11 when targeting Miller, but Miller did not have a chance on any of his misses. The yards after the catch and versatility been noted throughout the year and exploded onto the scene with his two biggest plays in each category.
Week 11
On Senior day, Memphis faced a 3-8 ECU team and went into the half leading 49-0. Miller ended up only playing one half, but still wound up with 144 yards and a touchdown on just three receptions.
It is easy to up 144 yards when 89 come on one run. Above, we talked about his longest run after the catch and that lasted one week. Once again, vision and patience behind the line to follow his blocks and use the whole field show as Miller put the game away early.
He added a slant for 31 yards that featured 19 yards after the catch. He also put up 24 yards on an out route early into the second quarter.
You can the see the body fake to the inside to set up space for himself to the outside.
Yards after the catch was the key to his last two regular season games. Miller is a sharp route runner, and Ferguson was 11-16 targeting Miller over this span without a single incompletion being charged to Miller.
Routes:
Screens: 30-39, 322 yards 1 TD
Curls: 7-9, 90 yards
Post: 9-17, 273 yards 3 TD
Go: 7-20, 149 yards, 6 TDs
In: 2-2, 24 yards, 1 TD
Cross: 9-13, 109 yards 2 TD
Slant: 4-8, 102 yards
Comeback: 4-5 39 yards
Out: 6-9 85 yards
503 yards after the catch