CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- When the University of Miami football team arrived back in South Florida early Tuesday morning, players got a few hours of sleep before heading to class.
Senior linebacker Denzel Perryman watched film from the season-opening loss at Louisville on his iPad before doing the same again on Wednesday before practice.
Despite the unpleasant result, there's no time to harp on it with Saturday night's matchup against FCS opponent Florida A&M fast approaching.
"For me it's been pretty easy," said Perryman, who recorded a game-high 12 tackles before exiting late in the fourth quarter with cramps. "I can't sit and dwell on it. I got over it the next day (and) move on because we've got a game this Saturday."
A quick turnaround might actually work in Miami's favor.
Rather than lament the missed chances, the Hurricanes can attack their issues over the next few days and work out the kinks against the Rattlers and Arkansas State, a Division I opponent, on Sept. 13.
The offense, for example, struggled to protect true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya. All-ACC running back Duke Johnson rarely found holes to run through. Louisville collected seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, recovered a fumble and intercepted two passes.
Senior center Shane McDermott thought both communication amongst the line and technical skills were the reasons for the unit's trouble. During practice, the linemen plan to overexaggerate echoing calls and focus on getting their pad level right.
"We played a little high and we needed to play a little lower," McDermott said. "We're going to get that right on the sled, on the chute, make a big emphasis on driving low on the ball."
Head coach Al Golden called it an "accelerated schedule" the team was working with leading up to Saturday's home matchup at Sun Life Stadium.
In a short period of time, Miami would emphasize red-zone and money downs Wednesday night. Friday would include a longer walk-through and meeting than usual.
The Hurricanes acknowledged they left plays out there -- from the ineligible man downfield penalty that negated a long throw to the three points on a couple of red-zone opportunities. It left guys with a sense of regret.
"We've got to continue to look at what we did well and didn't do well and fix it," Golden said. "That's it. There's nothing you can do now. We made too many mistakes to win the game. That starts with me ... It's a short week, so we have to get rolling here. I think we got a lot done today and we've got to keep pushing (Thursday) and then rest up. Obviously the fact it's a night game should help us sleep in a little bit. That will help us."
HESTER UPDATE
True freshman defensive back Kiy Hester isn't with the team as he deals with a personal family issue. He is from Wayne, N.J., where he attended DePaul Catholic High School.
Asked whether he could leave the program, Golden responded with, "He's got a personal issue. In deference him and his family respect that's it. I can't say it enough. I know you guys have got to chase down rumors ... When it's official we'll make an announcement one way or another. We'll make an announcement and go from there."
DEFENSIVE NUMBERS
The defense played nine backs, nine linemen and five linebackers (23 total) in Monday's game, including true freshmen Chad Thomas, Darrion Owens, Trent Harris and Courtel Jenkins. The latter got 26 snaps and four tackles.
"To get those guys in a college football game in that environment was a real plus for us moving forward," defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said. "I look to see those numbers drop in terms of mental errors go."
IMPROVING CONDITION
Junior placekicker Matt Goudis' back continues to improve after hurting it this summer.
His progress put a limitation on how far he could kick in Monday's game. He went 2 for 2 on a pair of 24-yard field goals. Sophomore walk-on Justin Vogel took care of kickoff duties.
"I thought in the pregame that was as strong as he's been," Golden said. "That's good news. Hopefully he's stronger this week and not even a worry. It's been something that's coming back. It's strength and comfort level, not an injury."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
