Jarren Williams downplays missing Miami football practice Wednesday
Redshirt freshman quarterback Jarren Williams downplayed missing practice for the Miami football team on Wednesday following the Hurricanes 16-12 victory on Saturday at Pittsburgh.
Miami Hurricanes flagship station WQAM was the first to report that redshirt freshman quarterback Jarren Williams missed practice for the Miami football team on Wednesday. Williams led Miami to a 16-12 comeback victory at Pittsburgh on Saturday. He relieved a streaky N’Kosi Perry against the Panthers.
Wiliams played extensively against Pittsburgh for the first time since he threw three interceptions against Virginia Tech on the first three drives of the game. The Georgia native completed one pass in three attempts against Georgia Tech last week.
Williams was 4-8 for 50 yards and the game-winning 32-yard touchdown to K.J. Osborn with 58 seconds left against Pittsburgh. Williams’ stats were not that impressive otherwise. He did have a key eight-yard scramble on third down for a first down on the game-winning drive. That was a key play to put Miami in position to win.
After the missed practice last week speculation has surrounded Williams’ future with Miami. After the game, Williams discussed the game-winning drive, what happened on Wednesday, his future with the Miami football program and the potential of playing against Florida State on Saturday.
"“They had man coverage on KJ and I trusted him to win and make a play. I did a play fake and then went to him and he made a big play and it turned into a touchdown. It means a lot. I am committed to this team and committed to this program. I am trying to be the best quarterback that I can be.It was time for me to step up. I am committed to this team and this program and with what happened, we are going to keep this in-house. This will be my first time going to Tallahassee, so I am excited. I thrive in that moment, so to be able to play in that rivalry game will be big for me and the team.”"
For now, Miami and Williams move forward. Williams should be the obvious choice to start at Florida State Saturday. The Miami offense runs far more efficient with Williams at QB. The offense rolled early in the season with Williams calling signals. The losses to North Carolina and Florida were not on Williams.
The rough start Williams had against Virginia Tech can somewhat be contributable to his shoulder injury. The Miami passing offense is greatly improved over last season. Perry and Williams have had to deal with an inconsistent running game. Williams has completed 70.1 percent of his passes this season.
At his current pace, Williams would break the single-season record for the Miami football program of 65.1 percent set by Jacory Harris in 2011. With Williams healthy again the Miami offense should be able to be more consistent. The Hurricanes have fallen to 84th in total offense with the struggles of the last few weeks.
Miami has had issues trying to run the football this season. Their passing game has been much better with Dan Enos as the offensive coordinator than it was in the post Brad Kaaya era under Mark Richt the last two seasons. Miami is 36th in passing. The Miami offense should have success against the Florida State defense.
The Seminoles are 78th in scoring defense, 108th in total defense and 118th against the pass. Florida State is a bit better against the pass. The Seminoles are 77th in FBS with their air defense. Williams leading Miami to the win over Pittsburgh should alleviate any issues that he and the Miami football program had last week.