Jarren Williams proved his mettle in a 24-20 loss by the Miami Hurricanes to Florida. Williams future at quarterback is brighter than Feleipe Franks is for the Gators.
Jarren Williams had good and bad moments for the Miami Hurricanes in their 24-20 loss to Florida on Saturday night in Orlando. In his first start, Williams arguably outplayed redshirt junior quarterback Feleipe Franks from Florida. In his first start, Williams finished 19-29 for 214 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Franks was pulled in his first start in 2017 as a redshirt freshman in the Gators 33-17 loss to Michigan in Florida’s season opener. Franks went 5-9 for 75 yards before being replaced by former Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire. Zaire was not much better. He was 9-17 for 106 yards without a TD or an interception.
The Gators were outgained 433-192 as Michigan had 19 first downs to nine for Florida. Florida and Franks got their revenge on a depleted Michigan team in a 41-15 victory in the Sugar Bowl last season. Franks was not exceptional in Atlanta.
The 6’6 QB went 13-23 for 173 yards and one TD. He added 74 yards on 14 carries and another TD. On college football live on ESPN on Monday, analyst Greg McElroy stated that Franks regressed with his performance against the Miami Hurricanes Saturday night.
McElroy and his peers like the future of Williams more than Franks. Comparing the first starts of their college football careers, Williams is further along. Some would suggest Williams was better Saturday.
"“I thought Feleipe Franks actually regressed from what he displayed down the stretch last year and still didn’t showcase the maturity that you’d want to see from him as he heads into year number three as a starter. Florida has an awful lot to figure out in the next two weeks.”"
Dusty Dvoracek added that he didn’t see the consistency he wanted from Franks at QB. Especially late in the game. Dvoracek felt that the interception Franks threw late in the fourth quarter by Romeo Finley was awful. Dvoracek expected that Franks would have taken the next step under Dan Mullen who is considered a QB guru.
McElroy was echoed by Dvoracek that we did not see that Franks had evolved from last season Saturday night. The former Oklahoma and Chicago Bears defensive lineman said he is more encouraged for Miami. Dvoracek felt Miami is a bit better than what he anticipated at the beginning of the year.
McElroy stated f you look at Saturday and how that freshman QB performed and how they play defense that he is cautiously optimistic about Miami this season.
Some good stuff on the Canes. Is Jarren Williams better than Feleipe Franks? I'm listening to Week 0 Reviews https://t.co/fRVxWJsk4a
— Canes Warning (@CanesWarningFS) August 27, 2019
Williams will only get better as the season and his career goes on. He will be at Miami through the 2020 season at a minimum. The Georgia native will be eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft following his third season in college.
Former Miami tight end David Njoku left for the NFL following his redshirt sophomore season in 2016. Williams has a long way to go before considering that.
It was only one game, but Jarren Williams was efficient and calm when kept free from pressure. pic.twitter.com/GFrcwsRNw1
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 26, 2019
A lot of Williams’ future success will depend on the Miami offensive line. Allowing ten sacks will make any QB hesitant. When he was kept clean, Williams was exceptional. Adjusting the stats in the above tweet, the redshirt freshman was only 2-10 when under duress. Williams did the best he could considering the play of his offensive line.
ESPN analysts like former NFL and Boston College QB Tim Hasselbeck and Miami Hurricanes linebacker Jon Beason wondered about the Miami play calling.
Did the Hurricanes rely too much on the screen? Should Williams have been rolled out more and the short pass been utilized more? Those are all easy questions to ponder after the game has been played.
The consensus analysis before, during and after playing Florida that the Gators will be the best team, defense and defensive line Miami will play all year. With their schedule, they have the Hurricanes have a chance to run the table the rest of the season.
Expecting Miami to win out is a lot to suggest. One thing is definite, Williams and the offensive line will have more time against their opponents in 2019.