Silvera doesn’t make trip to Pitt

PITTSBURGH — The Miami Hurricanes were without one of their starting defensive tackles for their matchup against No.

17 Pittsburgh on Saturday at Heinz Field.

Nesta Jade Silvera didn’t travel with UM to Pittsburgh due to a non-COVID-19-related illness, a university spokesperson confirmed to reporters before kickoff.

Silvera, a fourth-year junior, has been listed as a co-starter at defensive tackle, along with Jonathan Ford and Jared Harrison-Hunte.

He played in Miami’s first seven games, recording 20 tackles (eight solo) and three tackles for loss.

Ford and Harrison-Hunte were Miami’s starting defensive tackles against Pittsburgh, with Zach McCloud and Deandre Johnson starting at defensive end.

A non-COVID-19 virus has been spreading throughout Miami’s campus in recent weeks, which has affected the availability of some UM players. Cornerback Malik Curtis and linebacker Avery Huff weren’t available against North Carolina on Oct. 16 because of the virus, while cornerback Te’Cory Couch was limited in Miami’s win over N.C. State on Oct. 23 because of the virus.

The Hurricanes remained without safety Bubba Bolden, running back Don Chaney Jr. (knee), center Corey Gaynor (knee), running back Cam’Ron Harris (knee), left guard Jalen Rivers (knee) and quarterback D’Eriq King (shoulder), all of whom have been ruled out for the season.

Cornerback Al Blades Jr. (sports hernia) and quarterback Jakes Garcia (left ankle) have also been out the last few games, but haven’t been ruled out for the season.

Kam Kinchens started in place of Bolden against the Panthers, giving the Hurricanes a true freshman starting safety duo of Kinchens and James Williams.

Second-year freshman cornerback Marcus Clarke made his second consecutive start in place of Couch against Pittsburgh.

For Pittsburgh, wide receiver Jordan Addison and running back Israel Abanikanda were available against the Hurricanes after they exited the Panthers’ game against Clemson on Oct. 23. midway through the matchup and entering the concussion protocol.

Whipple connection

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Mark Whipple’s connection to Miami goes beyond him being the Hurricanes’ offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons.

UM quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, a second-year freshman out of Suffield Academy in Glastonbury, Conn., said UMass was his first offer as a high school player during Whipple’s second stint (2014-18) as the Minutemen’s coach, adding that he has “a really good relationship” with Whipple.

Whipple was the Hurricanes’ offensive coordinator during the final two seasons

(2009-10) Randy Shannon was Miami’s head coach.

He’s been Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since

2019, with the Panthers also making an offer to Van Dyke.

“I visited Pitt before coach Whipple was the offensive coordinator,” Van Dyke said. “My grandfather hired coach Whipple for his first head coaching job at the University of New Haven when my grandfather was the athletic director there. He was trying to get me to go to Pitt before I committed to Miami.

“Pitt’s a great school. I know coach Whipple well and I even know coach [Pat] Narduzzi well through recruiting. They’ve done a great job with the defense and the offense.”

Pickett breaks Marino’s record

With his 12-yard touchdown pass to Jared Wayne during the beginning of the third quarter, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett recorded his 83rd touchdown and broke the Panthers’ program record for most touchdowns, which was previously held by Dan Marino (82).

Marino, a Miami Dolphins great who’s been inducted into the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fames, starred at Pittsburgh for four seasons (1979-82) before having an illustrious 17-year career with the Dolphins.

His No. 13 was retired by Pittsburgh after his senior year.