Focus shifts to Cavs in conference opener
MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Hurricanes got the confidence boost they seemingly needed over the weekend after their slow start to the season, and they’re hoping the uptick in morale will carry into conference play.
After entering Saturday with four losses in its past five games, Miami (2-2) downed Central Connecticut State, 69-0, at Hard Rock Stadium for its most decisive win in a while.
Did UM dominate an overmatched FCS program that wasn’t expected to remotely compete with the Hurricanes? Absolutely, but the Hurricanes also took care of business and performed like they were expected to in a way they haven’t since last season.
Every Miami player who spoke with reporters after the game — especially the younger players who received more playing time than usual against the Blue Devils — did so with a confidence that hasn’t been felt since the season started.
“These games matter in college football,” coach Manny Diaz said. “They don’t just matter for what it does for Central Connecticut State’s program. It matters because it helps you with your developmental guys. When you play a sport that doesn’t have an exhibition game or a preseason game, it’s hard to get guys to get in the game at times, especially when you are playing tight games when everything is so critical.”
The Hurricanes were helped by Central Connecticut State’s bad tackling and incomparable talent, but Miami averaging 10.6 yards per play (19.9 yards per completion and 8.4 yards per rush besides sacks) showed the Hurricanes still executed what was asked of them.
“Offense is so much about confidence and I think it was obvious for everyone to see that we weren’t the same confident bunch through the first three weeks, offensively, as we were a year ago,” Diaz said. “That doesn’t mean that it is all fixed [Saturday], but there is a good feeling in that locker room.
“We were excited to play. That means we are on the right path and our leadership is in the right spot. Our young guys are coming along and are going to continue to contribute to this football team.”
With starting quarterback D’Eriq King out with a shoulder injury, Miami’s offense was mainly led by the team’s two freshmen signal callers, Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia, and both showed why they were rated as four-star prospects coming out of high school while splitting the reps on Saturday.
Van Dyke, who made his first start Saturday versus the Blue Devils, was efficient and quickly got the ball to his receivers, going 10 of 11 for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Garcia showcased his mobility and willingness to throw the deep ball in his first college game, going 11 of 14 for 147 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 45 rushing yards.
“Both Tyler and I were preparing as starters throughout the weeks leading up to this, taking mental reps. Now, it’s our turn,” Garcia said. “I feel like we got our swagger back and I feel like we are who we should be.”
Added Van Dyke: “It was good to get some in-game reps in front of the atmosphere because . ... I haven’t really experienced it. Even though it was an overmatched opponent, I gained a lot of confidence this week.”
That level of confidence from the young signal callers will be especially needed this season, as Miami may need Van Dyke or Garcia — or possibly both — to have significant roles for foreseeable future.
Diaz didn’t rule King out — or playing both Garcia and Van Dyke — for the Hurricanes’ ACC opener versus Virginia (2-2) on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium, saying King is “limited in some of his motions and movements” and that he likely wouldn’t have an update on his status until Monday or even later in the week.
“Neither guy would not deserve to play and that is something we have to watch film on and revaluate and see where we are at and see where D’Eriq is at,” Diaz added. “Obviously, it is a short week with a quick turnaround. Whatever gives us the best chance to win is what we will do.”