Miami Hurricanes have appeared to pass the torch at running back
With Cam Harris struggling over the three games, the Miami Hurricanes turned to freshmen Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton for the bulk of the carries in the second half in a 19-14 win over Virginia Saturday night.
With Cam Harris producing 28 carries for 35 yards over the last three games, the Miami Hurricanes turned to freshmen Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton for the majority of the carries in the second half to outlast Virginia 19-14 on Saturday night. Chaney had eight carries for 33 yards and Knighton eight for 27 in the second half.
Harris was limited to one carry for a loss of five yards to finish with eight carries for eight yards against Virginia. Junior Robert Burns had three carries for seven yards on a late drive to help run out all but the last 30 seconds. It will be worth monitoring going forward to see who starts for Miami at running back in two weeks.
The Hurricanes play at North Carolina State on November 6. Chaney finished with 10 carries for 43 yards and a key second-half touchdown. Knighton had 12 for 37 and added one reception for one yard. All of Burns carries came on the late fourth-quarter drive. Harris began the season with 26 carries for 268 yards and three TDs.
Harris added five receptions for 10 yards in the wins over UAB and Louisville to open the season. Harris had 12-43 and two TDs rushing and added 4-20 receiving in the 52-10 win over Florida State. Since playing Clemson, Harris has struggled on the ground. Only a 35-yard TD reception against Pittsburgh showed recent production.
Cam'Ron Harris has one carry for negative-5 yards in the second half. Miami has totally turned to the young guys
— David Wilson (@DBWilson2) October 25, 2020
Chaney was able to gain the tough yards for the Miami Hurricanes against Virginia. The TD Chaney scored wound up being the difference in the game. Chaney was constantly moving the chains for Miami in the second half. The first four runs Chaney had in the second half were for 14, seven, five and six yards.
The first run of the game Chaney had in the first quarter went for nine yards. Knighton had runs of 12 yards and two five-yard runs in the second half. One of Knighton’s five-yard runs came on first and goal from the Virginia 10 on the same drive Chaney scored what was the game-winning TD.
Next. Miami survives Clemson behind big night for Mike Harley. dark
Chaney and Knighton produced in the second half when Miami needed them to. Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and running backs coach Eric Hickson will have a decision to make who to start at RB against NC State. Lashlee and Hickson will have an extra week to do so. Miami needs more consistency in the run game.