It’s the regular season finale this Friday. The Hurricanes (6-5, 2-5 ACC) come to town on a three game losing streak, falling to top-10 teams in FSU and Louisville. Boston College, of course, is riding it’s own losing streak into their home finale, so both teams will look to end the regular season on a high note as they head into bowl preparations.
Passing Attack
Passing Yards: 196/297, 2,413 yards, 17 TDs, 12 INTs
It’s been a roller coaster season (and collegiate career) for Tyler Van Dyke. He was benched in the game against Florida State only to return after a season-ending injury to freshman Emory Williams. He’ll be at the helm this week. The veteran has been a turnover machine, but can certainly sling it.
Running Back . . . JUNIORS
- Mark Fletcher Jr. 91 carries 468 yards, 4 TDs
- Henry Parrish Jr. 78 carries 468 yards, 4 TDs
- Donald Chaney Jr. 91 carries, 467 yards, 2 TDs
- Brashard Smith, 9 carries, 132 yards, 1 TD, 22 receptions, 263 passing yards, 2 TDs
No, they’re not all juniors, but the Miami running back committee all have unbelievable similar stat lines and happen to have Jr. as a suffix. The freshman Fletcher is a power runner who has been leaned on more recently. The early season starter Parrish has been a bit banged up of late, but did log a few carries coming back last week. And then there’s a shifty Chaney who ended up shining in the FSU game running 7.1 yards a carry.-
Smith is a wide receiver, but the way they’ve gotten him the ball warranted separating him out a bit. Last week he ran from the wildcat, shows how much of a dynamic playmaker he is. Van Dyke isn’t much of a runner, but can certainly scramble for some chain-moving yards.
Receiving Mix
- Xavier Restrepo: 68 catches, 876 yards, 5 TDs
- Jacolby George: 49 catches, 762 yards, 7 TDs
- Colbie Young: 44 catches, 529 yards, 4 TDs
Restrepo has a great rapport with Van Dyke. He’s a smaller receiver that makes tough plays all over the field, primarily operating out of the slot. He’s quick across the middle and has returned punts as well. He’s been one of the highest rated receivers in the conference, and after a short quiet stretch is now off an 8 catch, 193 performance against Louisville. Young is the big-bodied option on the outside. George has been a field-stretching vertical threat. This is a nice complement of receiving for the Hurricanes air-raid offense.
One other note is that tight end Elijah Arroyo is set to return this week. Coach Mario Cristobal described him as one of the team’s best and most dynamic players and a team leader. He’s been through a few injuries, but came on strong in his 2021 debut season. He’s a big target a 6-4 target that they’re going to look forward to getting back.
On the offensive line front, the team has only allowed 14 sacks on the season, top 25 in the country. They have talent and improving, but all in all above average. Along with Van Dyke’s interceptions, the offense has lost seven fumbles putting them at 20 turnovers for the year, putting their strong defense in quite the bind. . .
Defensive Stats Leaders
- LB Francisco Mauigoa: 61 tackles, 15 TFLs, 6.5 sackks, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles
- DE Rueben Bain Jr: 35 tackles, 8.5 TFLS, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
- SS James Williams: 69 tackles, 1 INT, 4 passes defensed
- FS Kamren Kinchens 57 tackles, 1 sack, 5 INTs
Mario Cristobal’s team has been one of the better defenses in the country, last week aside. They are allowing 326 yards per game
In particular, the Hurricanes have had one of the best rushing defenses in the country, allowing under 100 yards per game, and 3 yards per carry.
The freshman Bain has been a star on the defensive line. The pass rush struggled last week, but largely been a force. They are up their in TFLs, total sacks, pressure rate.
They have been below average in pass defense however. Just last weekend, two defensive backs collided only to let Louisville score on a long play. The Safety Kinchens did earn All-America honors last year and has been a ball hawk this season.