David Pollack breaks down impact of Xavier Lucas suspension on national championship

Xavier Lucas was suspended from playing the first half of Monday’s national championship game after being ejected for targeting against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. Miami would eventually fall to Indiana 27-21 in the title matchup.

Lucas wouldn’t finish the game with any stats after playing the second half for Miami. However, David Pollack believes his presence alone was a boost for the Hurricanes against Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana offense.

“Yes, 100 percent,” Pollack said, reacting to the national championship fallout on his show. “And I say that because it changed immediately as soon as he came in the game. Literally the first play where they get a sack — you’ve got to trust your corners if you’re going to play up. You’ve got to trust them to not get beat deep again. What are defensive coordinators scared of? Getting beat over the top. … I thought Miami did a good, a really good job of adjusting.”

Lucas finished the game having played 37 snaps in the second half. He also pressured the QB twice over the final two quarters.

While Lucas’ impact can’t be seen on the stat sheet, Miami’s defense did well to keep the Heisman Trophy-winning Mendoza in check during the game. The secondary didn’t allow him to throw a passing touchdown while forcing seven pass breakups. Indiana’s longest pass was a 25-yard strike to Omar Cooper Jr.

Up front, Hurricanes also finished the game with five pressures on Mendoza, three sacks and three QB hurries. In turn, Mendoza had to be quick with his release, jumping forward his time to throw from 2.7 seconds coming into the matchup to 2.32 seconds during the national championship game.

“Miami did a good job of speeding that up just a smidge,” Pollack continued. “(Miami was) hitting him enough where he’s trying to get rid of the football.”

Miami’s offense would eventually out-gain Indiana 342-317 in total yards despite the loss. In the end, it was the Hoosiers defense sealing the game and national title win for IU. DB Jamari Sharp would pick off a deep pass from Miami QB Carson Beck in the final minute of the game to secure the victory.

For Lucas, he finishes his sophomore season with 45 tackles, eight PBUs, a sack, forced fumble and an interception. He was in his first season at Miami after transferring in from Wisconsin last season.