Miami Hurricanes Football: QB Morris Not Ruled Out Vs. FSU

Oct 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris (17) is helped off the field by medical personal during the fourth quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

According to Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden, the x-rays performed on QB Stephen Morris’ left ankle have come back negative.  The junior quarterback had no implications of a fracture, but instead suffered an ankle sprain.

“It’s not a high ankle sprain–that’s the [bad] one,” said Golden.

The ‘Canes will however prepare for their upcoming game against Florida State as if backup QB Ryan Williams is the starter.  Golden says that he will expect Williams to start, but that coaches will continue to monitor Morris’ progress.

As on now, Williams backup is unknown.  Golden said that freshman quarterbacks Preston Dewey and Gray Crow have not separated themselves. “Preston was ahead of Gray earlier in the season and Gray has responded in the last two weeks, so we are going to evaluate those two…”

If Morris is absent against Florida State, it could be a long day for Miami.  Morris has put up impressive numbers thus far, including a UM record 566 passing yards against North Carolina State.

When Williams filled in for Morris against North Carolina, the Memphis transfer went 9-of-13 for 80 yards.  Williams started 10 games for Memphis before transferring to Miami in 2010.  He redshirted in 2011.

In other news:

- Golden was praised Miami’s defensive tackles Earl Moore, Corey King and Olsen Pierre.  He also spoke highly of cornerbacks Ladarius Gunter, Tracy Howard and safety Deon Bush.  Golden believes that Howard is making progress and is becoming more physical.  He admitted that Howard hit a wall a couple of weeks ago, just as most freshman do but he is beginning to “see the light,” in terms of learning.

- Miami’s defense improved against North Carolina but they continued to struggle with pressuring the quarterback.  For the second straight game, Miami failed to record a sack.  Miami has totaled just seven sacks on the year.

- The highest-rated quarterback that Miami has faced this year was Kansas State QB Colin Klein.  Klein ranks 17th nationally in passer efficiency.  Florida State QB E.J. Manuel is the fourth-highest ranked quarterback in the nation when it comes to passer efficiency.  He has thrown 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions on the year.

- Golden said that freshman RB Duke Johnson has been battling a toe injury and reported that Johnson is about “95 to 90 percent” health-wise.  Johnson was limited against North Carolina and was kept from returning kickoffs or catching passes.  The freshman running back was a game time decision for Golden.

- Miami won the battle when it came to time of possession against North Carolina.  Golden said that he liked how the defense got off of the field on third downs, but the defensive line needs to do a better job of pass rushing.

- Golden would like to see RB Eduardo Clements and RB Dallas Crawford share the load moving forward.  RB Mike James carried the ball a career-high 22 times vs. North Carolina.

- According to Golden, LB Denzel Perryman re-aggravated his right ankle vs. North Carolina.  Perryman will continue to wear a protective boot for precautionary reasons.  He has been wearing the boot for nearly a month now.